Shoulder decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hip and leg disorder and left shoulder disorder are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a left lower extremity disability, claimed as the left hip and left leg. A VA examination is required to determine if this condition is related to active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities and new claims. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the issuance of a Statement of the Case on certain issues, including those involving sleep apnea and hemorrhoids/dizziness.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a left shoulder condition was denied because there was no medical evidence to show that the condition is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The new and material evidence submitted does not relate to this issue.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material, thus denying the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a left shoulder disability.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, and the Board therefore dismisses the entire appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and records, including service personnel records.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his left knee disability was denied. His right shoulder disability claim, which had been previously denied on the merits, was reopened due to new and material evidence submitted after the July 2008 denial. The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder disability was aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities. The increased rating claims for left knee chondromalacia and internal derangement of the left knee are being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible disability rating of 100 percent, effective June 8, 2010. The claim for higher ratings for his service-connected disabilities of the knees and shoulders, as well as his asbestosis, are denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and readjudicating the claim. The Veteran is seeking service connection for right shoulder disorder and cervical spine disability, to include as secondary to service-connected TMJ.

The Veteran's TBI and headaches are granted service connection. He is also granted initial compensable ratings for his right little finger, left little finger, and left ring finger disabilities. His left shoulder disability is rated at 10 percent prior to February 2013 and 20 percent thereafter. The reduction from 50 percent to 10 percent for PTSD was not proper.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding her service connection claims and a VA medical examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a right knee injury, residuals of a left knee injury, neck disability, and left shoulder disability. The claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability was not addressed as it is considered to be part of the migraine headaches claim. The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50%.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a low back disorder related to the Veteran's service and denied his claim for service connection. The right shoulder osteoarthritis was also not granted as it is considered a preexisting condition that did not worsen during service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical treatment for a left shoulder injury is covered by Medicare, and reimbursement of $261.54 is granted under the Veterans' Benefits Act.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if he has current right shoulder or right arm nerve disorders that are related to his service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current right shoulder and knee disabilities are related to her active service, meeting all elements of service connection.

The Board is remanding the case for a video hearing due to the Veteran's request.