Shoulder decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. The claims will be reviewed again with new evidence and a proper opinion provided.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and the obtaining of updated treatment records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the previously denied claims of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder, a bilateral knee disorder, depression, hernia and vertigo. The appeal was dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied, and the Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence indicating his service-connected conditions may have worsened.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability has been rated at 60 percent since August 27, 2015. The Board found that the evidence was at least evenly balanced as to whether his symptoms more nearly approximated limitation of motion of the arm to 25 degrees from side prior to June 12, 2014 and granted a 40 percent rating for this period. From August 1, 2015 to August 26, 2015, the evidence was at least evenly balanced as to whether his symptoms more nearly approximated chronic residuals consisting of severe, painful motion or weakness. The Board found that from August 27, 2015, his symptoms have been evaluated at 60 percent, the highest available rating beyond the one year following the implantation of the prosthesis under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent for the period from May 9, 2012 to June 25, 2014. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current level of impairment.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 60 percent effective November 19, 2015. The left ankle disability was assigned a 20 percent evaluation effective the same date.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder reconstruction disability has been productive of at least painful motion since the date of his claim for an increased rating, and he is now entitled to a minimum disability rating of at least 20 percent.

The Board has determined that service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, status post fusion, is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the receipt of a request for withdrawal prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is at least as likely as not caused by or related to his military service, specifically an injury he sustained during service. The Board also finds in favor of granting service connection for left thumb osteoarthritis and a left elbow disorder.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the inadequacy of the VA examination and the need for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims related to service connection for upper back, left shoulder, and numbness in fingers conditions as secondary to lumbar spine degenerative disc disease. The Board has dismissed these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's left shoulder disorder and his service.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's right shoulder scar, effective July 16, 2015. The Veteran is also entitled to an initial compensable rating for his right shoulder disability prior to that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability existed prior to service and was not aggravated by active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including COPD, right shoulder and hand disabilities, and hypertension, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to dress, feed himself, prepare meals, or bathe without assistance.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's periods of service, address procedural deficiencies, and obtain addendum VA medical opinions regarding her claimed conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, including those regarding the issues of service connection and exposure basis.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for reopening a claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder.,The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for headaches.,The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an effective date prior to June 27, 2012 for a 30 percent evaluation for headaches.,The Veteran withdrew his appeal for TDIU prior to March 24, 2015.