Shoulder decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of his claims, including those related to left wrist, left knee, and shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations for his service-connected right shoulder bicipital tendonitis and bursitis, cervical strain, and dorsolumbar strain were denied by the Board. The case is being remanded to consider whether staged ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between his claimed conditions and his military service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, bilateral arm disorders (including left shoulder), and bilateral hand disorders are denied. Service connection is granted for tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the likelihood that his current disabilities were incurred or aggravated during active duty.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and left knee disabilities need further review, as a hearing is required before another Veterans Law Judge can make a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder sprain and osteoarthritis, as well as his left shoulder sprain, are service-connected.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding service connection for bilateral pes planus and increased ratings for adjustment disorder with depressed mood, migraine headaches, post-operative right shoulder bursitis with scarring, lumbar spine strain, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board has no further jurisdiction to consider these matters.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records. The Appellant's claims of PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left shoulder disorder will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for a right shoulder condition, and finds that there is competent medical evidence linking his current right shoulder arthritis to service. The Veteran now has service connection for this disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities leave him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling issue and will schedule the Veteran for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed bilateral shoulder disability and denied his claims for service connection for anemia, sleep apnea, and a bilateral shoulder disability.

The Veteran's neck and right shoulder disorders are found to be related to his active duty service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be etiologically related to her active duty service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's right knee condition has been granted service connection and assigned a zero percent rating.,Service connection for the left shoulder disability is pending, as new and material evidence has been received. The effective date of service connection will be determined upon finalization of this claim.,Service connection for the low back disability is pending, as new and material evidence has been received. The effective date of service connection will be determined upon finalization of this claim.,The Veteran's right foot arthritis has been granted service connection and assigned a zero percent rating.,Service connection for the right lower extremity neurological condition is pending, as new and material evidence has not yet been received. The effective date of service connection will be determined upon finalization of this claim.,The Veteran's hypertension has been granted service connection and assigned a 100 percent rating (the maximum available).,Service connection for the headaches is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine condition is related to service, and thus granted his claim for service connection. The right shoulder condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, and alcohol dependence claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if his current right shoulder disability is related to service. The pes planus issue remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine and right shoulder disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic left shoulder ligamentous strain has been rated as noncompensable prior to May 11, 2016 and at least 20 percent thereafter. The claim for increased rating is denied.