Shoulder decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his right shoulder impingement syndrome and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations for certain conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the relationship between his back disability and service-connected left shoulder and right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) is rated at 30 percent effective from July 29, 2005. He also receives a separate rating of 10 percent for headaches secondary to his DDD.,Starting from October 2012, the Veteran's left arm radiculitis is rated at 40 percent and starting from February 16, 2016, it is rated at 70 percent. His left shoulder degenerative joint disease with history of thoracic outlet syndrome is rated at 30 percent effective from July 29, 2005.,The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU as of October 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his right shoulder disability. The TDIU claim cannot be fully adjudicated until the issue of an increased rating for the right shoulder condition is resolved.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, including tendon tears and arthritis. The issue of the evaluation of lumbar strain is remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder arthritis, diffuse arthritis (other than right shoulder), gastrointestinal disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic headache disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left shoulder disability or systemic arthritic disability, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's current headaches are related to his service-connected cervical spine strain and left shoulder degenerative joint disease, which is considered secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of his claims.

The Veteran's right shoulder and left knee disabilities have been found to be service-connected.,Service connection for a respiratory disability, claimed as asthma, is not established.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he indicated satisfaction with the award of a TDIU and wished to withdraw his appeals for higher ratings for back and right shoulder disabilities, or entitlement to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities have been granted, with effective dates set at February 17, 2009.,Effective from February 17, 2009, the Veteran is now entitled to VA benefits for her claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his authorized representative requesting the withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disorder is as likely as not related to his active service, and grants service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder.,There is no evidence of obstructive sleep apnea during service. The VA examiner concluded that it is less likely than not that the current obstructive sleep apnea is related to the Veteran's active service.