Shoulder decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the current nature and etiology of any cervical spine disorder or bilateral shoulder disorder, as well as whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's claims will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee arthritis and resulting postoperative knee replacement residuals, as well as his left knee arthritis and resulting postoperative knee replacement residuals, are related to service. The Board also found that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has ordered a new examination to determine if the Veteran's right shoulder disability was caused or aggravated by his service-connected gunshot wound to the left side of the neck with muscle involvement, degenerative changes of the cervical spine, or surgical scar on the right side of neck disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability and granted it, finding that new evidence supports the Veteran's assertion of an in-service injury. The current diagnosis is related to the in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to a left shoulder disability from CWT is being remanded as the VA opinion was inadequate and there are conflicting medical opinions regarding causation.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The lumbar spine disability is not more than 20 percent disabling, the left shoulder strain prior to January 19, 2011, does not meet a higher rating, bilateral pes planus claim was withdrawn, right knee and left knee retropatellar pain syndrome do not meet a higher rating, service connection for a left hip disorder is denied, service connection for right and left elbow disorders is denied, and service connection for a right ankle disorder is granted.

The Board has granted increased ratings for lumbar strain and left pelvic fracture disabilities, effective December 28, 2009. The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been granted.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and found that new evidence supports a current diagnosis of PTSD. Service connection is granted for hypertension, but not for sleep apnea, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, bilateral hand disability, or bilateral elbow disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including headaches, hypertension, a shoulder disability, benign prostate hyperplasia, fatigue, diabetes mellitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, skin disorders, allergies, sleep apnea, and hyperlipidemia. The reasons provided were that there is no evidence of current disabilities or in-service events, injuries, or diseases related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the threshold disability percentage requirements for consideration of a TDIU on a schedular basis, but further development is needed to determine his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the service connection of his claimed conditions, particularly focusing on whether they are related to service or secondary to a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private treatment records. The Veteran will also be afforded a supplemental examination of his back and shoulder disabilities as well as an appropriate examination relating to his gout.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected low back disorder warrants a 10 percent evaluation, effective October 1, 2007.

The Board is remanding the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining clarification on whether the Veteran refused to be examined at the Dublin VAMC.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and evidence.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5203 for limitation of motion. The evidence does not show additional functional loss due to pain or other factors warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a combined initial rating in excess of 30 percent for his right shoulder disability has been withdrawn. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of ganglion cyst, right fourth toe, status post excision, is granted and rated at 10%. The issue of service connection for restless leg syndrome remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing an updated opinion regarding service connection. The issues of TDIU are also referred to the Director of Compensation & Pension.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's right shoulder disability began during service or was aggravated by a service-connected mid to upper back strain, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the claims of service connection and increased ratings, as well as all related issues. The appeal is dismissed.