Shoulder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a separate rating for limitation of motion should be considered. The VA examination report did not comply with the requirements set forth in Correia v. McDonald (2016), and thus a remand for a compliant examination is necessary.

The Board has remanded two issues: the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right shoulder disability and associated scars. The issues are inextricably intertwined with a TDIU claim, which is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since April 17, 2018. A TDIU rating is granted from that date.

The Board denied service connection for a left arm and shoulder disorder, finding no evidence of such condition in service or post-service. For the neck disorder claim, the Board found insufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's current symptoms and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not receive notice of scheduled VA examinations for his service connection claims and requests rescheduling. The issues are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has denied service connection for a prostate condition and remanded the issues of service connection for transient ischemic attack (TIA) residuals, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, and entitlement to SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent prior to October 1, 2015, and the rating has been increased to 30 percent from October 1, 2015 to February 2, 2018. The claim for an increase in ratings beyond this point remains pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right shoulder disability were evaluated, with the Board finding that a compensable rating for hearing loss prior to March 9, 2017, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter is not warranted. The Board also found that remand was necessary for further examination regarding his right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, left shoulder impingement syndrome and degenerative joint disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for various conditions, including left shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, left foot disability, right foot disability, hearing loss (right ear), GERD, skin condition, radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities, and a nervous condition. The Board also dismissed the claim for lumbago and sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right shoulder disability is remanded due to the need for a proper VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of an armpit rash and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to his withdrawal of these claims prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot, low back, and right shoulder disabilities due to new evidence submitted within one year of the August 2014 rating decision. However, the claims remain denied as there is no new and material evidence to support reopening of the original service connection claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disability due to new and material evidence. However, the claims for right knee and back disabilities remain denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinea pedis, bilateral hearing loss, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, left knee disability, and right thumb disability. The case is being remanded to obtain additional VA examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's TMJ disability is granted as service-connected. The claims for chest pain, right wrist disability, and left knee disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder condition and left ear hearing loss, finding that the evidence supports these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for a left shoulder disability, hydrocele, left testicle, and dermatitis claimed as rash on the left thigh due to potential new evidence or increased severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for esophageal cancer, right knee and back disabilities, and right shoulder disability due to insufficient examination reports. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.