Shoulder decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current right shoulder condition(s). The Veteran contends that his right shoulder condition was incurred in-service during a parachute landing fall, but there are conflicting statements regarding when this incident occurred. He has been diagnosed with a second degree acromioclavicular joint separation and degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's service-connected digestive disability, including GERD and dysphagia, is rated at 30 percent. The Board finds a separate rating of 10 percent for esophageal stricture under Diagnostic Code 7203.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his right shoulder disability and its impact on employment.

The Veteran's hypertension and tension headaches have been rated appropriately, but his left shoulder tendonitis and left hip strain do not warrant higher initial ratings. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection of bilateral hearing loss or a sleep disorder.

The Veteran's bilateral foot skin rash is found to be related to his active service.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability is found to be related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical opinions and need for further examination.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was granted a 10 percent rating prior to January 13, 2012 and a 30 percent rating beginning March 1, 2013.,For the thoracolumbar spine, the Veteran received a 20 percent rating prior to January 31, 2011 and a 20 percent rating thereafter. The TDIU claim was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of his right shoulder/collar bone disability, including testing in both active and passive motion. Updated VA treatment records should also be obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and denied service connection for his right shoulder disability. The temporary total rating based on surgical or other treatment necessitating convalescence following the lumbar spine surgery is granted from February 1, 2012 to December 1, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a complete record of treatment from the VA facility in Miami and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his left knee disorder, right ear hearing loss, and left ankle disability. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the appeal for an RO hearing before a Decision Review Officer and further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient evidence, including records of Dr. I.'s treatment and 2011 left shoulder surgery.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and requests for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, with recurrent dislocation and arthritis, resulted in a 30 percent rating since February 8, 2011. The appeal was denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection for additional conditions.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal, low back pain, and neck pain claims were granted. The Veteran's headaches and bilateral shoulder problems/disability claims were denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ankle, big toe, shoulder, cervical spine, left knee, and skin disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing their onset or causation in service.

The Veteran claims his current right shoulder arthritis is related to service, specifically due to repeated physical stress from carrying heavy equipment. The VA examiner's opinion was ambiguous regarding the right shoulder and only addressed the left shoulder.

The Veteran's recurrent shoulder dislocations and surgeries with muscle atrophy are currently rated at 40 percent under the applicable diagnostic codes. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of ankylosis or loss of use of the left upper extremity.