Shoulder decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including rating adjustments for various disabilities, an effective date claim for TDIU, and a need for additional medical examinations. The case is being remanded to obtain these necessary steps.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to in-service acoustic trauma and the Board finds service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his joint pain is related to an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness, and whether it can be attributed to active service.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 was denied as the Board found that VA did not cause his additional disability of metastatic melanoma to the brain, right lung, and small bowel due to carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on VA's part.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his claims for service connection and increased ratings were not substantiated by the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knee and shoulder conditions have been denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis, instability, or other factors warranting a higher rating. The current 30 percent ratings are considered appropriate based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service, and the VA examiner provided medical opinions that the claimed disabilities are not related to service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and post-operative residuals of a right shoulder injury have been granted service connection. The rating for the right shoulder injury has not met the criteria for an increased rating beyond 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled hearing. The case will be scheduled for another hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability has been manifested by pain and limited motion, but not to the extent that it warrants a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability is unrelated to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection. The low back disability issue remains pending as further development is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities of the left and right shoulders, knees, and ankles are as likely as not attributable to his active military service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for bilateral foot plantar fasciitis with pes planus (30% prior to April 3, 2015 and 50% thereafter) and right shoulder acromioclavicular joint hypertrophy and strain (10% prior to April 3, 2015 and 20% thereafter), left shoulder strain (10% prior to April 3, 2015 and 20% thereafter) have been denied. The Veteran's service connection for these conditions is based on direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination reports and a need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and arranging for new VA examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a right shoulder disorder other than residuals of shell fragment wound (SFW) injuries to Muscle Groups II and IV, right, and an increased rating for SFW of the right shoulder are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that further evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder, back, and heart disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder, left finger, and cervical spine disabilities are secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, finding that the Veteran's disabilities are related to his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to notification from the appellant.