Shoulder decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and possible SSA disability benefits.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by subacromial impingement and degenerative joint disease, has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the bilateral hips and shoulders, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to in-service parachute jumps. However, the Board denied service connection for arthritis of the bilateral wrists and elbows due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service connection was granted for arthritis of the bilateral hips and shoulders based on a positive nexus opinion from Dr. R.F.K., who noted that the Veteran's in-service parachute jumps could have set the stage for his declining musculoskeletal health.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and need for updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for a back and shoulder disability have been denied as there is no evidence of any currently diagnosed conditions other than myofascial pain syndrome, which he is already service-connected for.

The Board found that the Veteran's current neck, back, and right shoulder disabilities are not related to active service. Service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the maximum schedular rating for left knee instability was assigned prior to April 27, 2000, and in excess of 20 percent as of June 1, 2000.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral shoulder condition was not aggravated by service, and therefore, service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded to allow for additional examinations and consideration of his service connection requests. The issues include gout, arthritis of the shoulders, arthritis of the knees, and secondary service connection for hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to his PTSD, which is considered a contributory cause of death. The issues regarding increased ratings and service connection for various disabilities are dismissed without prejudice.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current left shoulder disorder, onychomycosis (toenail fungus), allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, and asthma are related to service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's asthma did not arise during his period of active duty service and was not otherwise related to such period. The right shoulder disability was also not shown during active duty service or for several years thereafter.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to an earlier effective date for his right shoulder strain rating and service connection for substance abuse as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability was not manifested by limitation of motion to midway between the side and shoulder level or ankylosis prior to August 2, 2011. As a result, he is not entitled to a rating in excess of 20 percent for this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability pre-existed service and was not aggravated by service. Therefore, it is denied as service-connected.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left shoulder disorder, and residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The claim for a left knee disorder was not addressed as it did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left shoulder disorder has been reopened and granted. The issue of secondary service connection to his right knee disability is pending.

The Veteran's bruxism and internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are service-connected as secondary to her service-connected PTSD. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for bilateral hip conditions, restless leg syndrome, or a gastrointestinal disorder. Service connection is granted for PF with an initial rating of 30 percent effective May 13, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination and potential TDIU consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of right shoulder injury due to lack of new and material evidence.