Shoulder decisions — 2017

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to service and the Board finds that she has a current diagnosis of this condition. The other psychiatric disorders are not currently addressed as they were not specifically mentioned in her claims or during the hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need to obtain missing medical records from his time stationed in Massachusetts.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was reduced from a 20% to a 10% rating, effective January 9, 2013. The right shoulder disability reduction from a 40% to a 30% rating is granted, effective June 15, 2015. TDIU is also granted.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, left leg and foot disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, residuals of a left shoulder injury, and migraines. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability and left fifth finger fracture with contracture and pain do not meet the criteria for service connection or a compensable evaluation, respectively.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability does not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical examinations and to attempt to obtain any pertinent treatment records. The VA will provide the Veteran with a comprehensive examination to determine if he has current disabilities related to his military service, including Gulf War exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development, including verification of service dates and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder condition did not have onset during active service and was not caused by active service. The claim for eczema of the hands and feet is remanded as it requires additional development.

The Veteran's right shoulder disorder is found to be related to his military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, stating that he is satisfied with the recent rating/award letter.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and examination to determine the nature and etiology of his left shoulder disability, back disability, and GERD. The claim of service connection for migraine headaches will be deferred as it is intertwined with the claims for back disability.

The RO reduced the Veteran's rating for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder from 30 percent to 20 percent, effective April 14, 2017. The reduction was not proper due to lack of compliance with the requirements set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 3.344.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hip conditions and a right shoulder condition, finding that there is sufficient evidence to establish that these conditions are causally related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left shoulder conditions are related to his active service, granting the claims for service connection.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability and scar have been rated based on their current manifestations, with the left shoulder disability receiving a 20% rating since November 1, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is rated at 50 percent disabling since April 20, 2017. The other conditions have been rated appropriately based on their severity and impact on the Veteran.

The Veteran's TBI with unspecified neurocognitive disorder and major depressive disorder has been rated at 100 percent effective April 12, 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder and right hip disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence to support a connection between these conditions and his military service. The Veteran's left knee disability remains in effect.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including new VA examinations and consideration of the Veteran's claims. The issues include service connection for a nerve condition of the right shoulder, evaluation for right shoulder tendonitis, and compensation for a stress fracture of the left heel.