Shoulder decisions — 2017

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, finding that there is no evidence to support a finding of in-service injury or disease. The claim was also denied for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome and related sciatic nerve radiculopathy issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records, conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions, and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issue of entitlement to service connection for alcohol abuse prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II. The claims for depression, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral elbow and shoulder disability have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his claim for service connection of a bilateral ankle disability. The Board found that the Veteran does not have any diagnosed disabilities related to his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a back condition and has determined that right shoulder arthritis and residuals of rotator cuff tear are related to military service. The left shoulder condition is not established as a disability due to disease or injury in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for various disabilities, including a lumbar spine disorder, bilateral foot disorders, shoulder disorders, hand and finger disorders, and tinnitus, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of continuity of symptomatology or a nexus to active duty.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his right forearm disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to October 7, 2015 and no higher rating after that date. Service connection for arthritis of the right shoulder, cervical spine, and lumbosacral spine were also denied as there is no evidence showing these conditions are related to service or developed within one year post-service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any identified right shoulder disability. The Veteran's service connection claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for inguinal hernia, finding that the condition manifested from an injury incurred during a period of INACDUTRA. The Veteran's hypertension and knee disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability, right shoulder disability, and sleep apnea are all related to service.,However, due to lack of specific diagnosis for sleep apnea in this decision summary, it is not clear if the Veteran currently has a diagnosed condition or if his symptoms are still being evaluated.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure the Veteran's claims are properly developed and adjudicated. This includes obtaining VA treatment records, procuring private medical records, and providing supplemental opinions regarding fibromyalgia, shoulder conditions, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability does not prevent him from finding and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of current diagnoses or a link between any claimed conditions and active military service.,No new effective date has been granted as no earlier effective date claim was filed.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability did not develop during service and is not related to his military service. The right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities are also denied as there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within one year after separation from service.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding it at least as likely as not that the condition began during active duty service. The Veteran's other claims have been denied.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of shrapnel wounds to the right shoulder and buttock due to in-service noise exposure and combat injuries. The Veteran's claims are supported by his personal accounts, medical records, and statements from fellow servicemen.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing. The appeal is not ready for appellate review until this hearing is scheduled.

The Veteran's service connection for left elbow ulnar neuropathy and left shoulder arthritis has been granted. However, a separate compensable rating for the arthritis is denied as it would constitute impermissible pyramiding.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including PTSD and a left shoulder disorder secondary to the service-connected right shoulder disability, is rated at 10 percent prior to October 29, 2014. The effective date for the temporary total rating due to convalescence following surgery on the right shoulder is not earlier than October 29, 2014.