Shoulder decisions — 2017

The Board denied a higher initial evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating prior to December 16, 2014 and since then.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder impingement, back disability (lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease), and bilateral knee chondromalacia do not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. The current ratings of 20 percent for each condition are deemed adequate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is related to his military service, while his bilateral wrist disability is not shown to be due to a disease or injury incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral knee and right shoulder disabilities are not related to his active service, and therefore denied both claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and finds that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is attributable to his military service. The issue of an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for internal derangement, tendonitis, and strain of the right shoulder remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for colon cancer and right shoulder disability were denied as there was no evidence of a direct relationship to service, with the exception that his current right shoulder arthritis is less likely related to an in-service left shoulder injury. The Veteran did not have exposure to herbicides or asbestos during service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for cervical DDD with upper extremity radiculopathy has been withdrawn and is dismissed. The issues of new and material evidence for entitlement to service connection for right and left shoulder conditions have not been withdrawn.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective June 15, 2010. The RO denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder and sleep apnea in the May 2011 rating decision. Service connection was granted for these conditions in subsequent decisions.

The Board granted initial ratings of 10 percent for GERD, left inguinal hernia, and right shoulder dislocation and impingement since December 20, 2011. The Veteran's GERD is not shown to be manifested by symptoms that warrant a higher rating. The left inguinal hernia is reasonably shown to be manifested by symptoms consistent with a small postoperative hernia not reasonably reducible. The right shoulder disability is reasonably shown to be manifested by pain and consequent limitation of motion approximately to shoulder level.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability has been rated at 20 percent since May 2011. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as his range of motion is limited to shoulder level, and no more.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations for tendonitis of her right and left shoulders prior to August 2, 2012. The VA examination conducted in November 2007 did not show any limitation of motion or pain on motion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, conducting current examinations to assess her cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities, and developing the claim for TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability was not caused by his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not involve loss of use of one or both feet, loss of use of one or both hands, permanent impairment of vision of both eyes, a severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or ankylosis of one or both knees or one or both hips. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for eligibility for automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right shoulder sprain with osteoarthritis and degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records, providing a new VA examination, and considering all evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and bilateral wrist conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of his left shoulder degenerative joint disease and cervical spondylosis are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder, and whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen his claims for right shoulder disability and acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as depression), are being remanded due to incomplete development. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is also being remanded.