Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's chest scars from surgeries for gynecomastia are service-connected.,Prostate cancer is service-connected as it had onset within one year of active duty service.

The Veteran's appeals for the reduction of his migraine headaches disability rating, reopening service connection claims for various conditions, and for service connection for certain lung issues have been withdrawn by his attorney.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability, bilateral shoulder disability, depression, and erectile dysfunction. The appeals were based on the Veteran's contention that these conditions developed due to his in-service physical demands.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 40 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular rating permitted for ankylosis of scapulohumeral articulation of the minor extremity. The criteria for increased evaluations have not been met.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 is denied as there is no indication of its onset in service or a link to service.,Right elbow bursitis and left wrist arthritis are granted as the evidence supports their connection to service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current right shoulder disability was incurred during his active service.,Service connection for a left shoulder disability was denied, with the Board noting that there is no medical evidence linking the current condition to service and that the claimant did not provide objective medical evidence of such a link.

The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including TBI, dizziness and/or vertigo, diabetes mellitus, prostate hypertrophy, left shoulder disability, right hand disability, and left heel spur. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or an in-service injury that could be linked to these conditions.,The Board found the preponderance of the evidence against service connection for TBI due to lack of credible reports of head injuries during service and no residuals documented post-service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a procedural error in assigning an initial disability rating higher than 20 percent for the service-connected right shoulder disability from February 14, 1973 to September 28, 2000. The CAVC directed the Board to obtain a new retrospective medical opinion that discusses the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, rendered him in need of regular aid and assistance for activities of daily living from August 20, 2011, to May 22, 2013. The Board granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's right knee iliotibial band syndrome and instability, as well as his right shoulder rotator cuff syndrome, have been granted increased ratings. The right shoulder disability is rated at 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right shoulder and neck disabilities, including as secondary to a service-connected low back disability. The remand is due to inadequate consideration of the significance of a reported injury in service and the question of secondary service connection on an aggravation basis.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine, right shoulder, hands, and left knee, as well as the claims for a compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus. The appellant withdrew their appeal prior to the decision being finalized.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding aggravation of the right shoulder disorder by service-connected left shoulder strain. The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection is now before the Board again.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that new and relevant evidence was submitted sufficient to reopen the claim. The evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's current left shoulder condition is related to an in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical spine and bilateral shoulder disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions provided in previous decisions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, radiculopathy in his bilateral lower extremities, right shoulder disability, and lumbar spine disability prevented him from securing and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for PTSD, as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 70% disability rating under Diagnostic Code 9411. For right shoulder and knee disabilities, the evidence showed no significant impairment warranting an increase beyond the current ratings. Service connection was denied for gastrointestinal and foot disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his left shoulder disability prior to May 29, 2014 and from August 1, 2014 is denied. The claim for an extension of temporary total rating for the left shoulder disability beyond August 1, 2014 is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for a right shoulder disability, to include as secondary to service-connected knee disabilities, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding causation and aggravation.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate prior examinations and the need for retrospective opinions regarding functional impairment of the Veteran's right shoulder and left elbow.