Shoulder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran also failed to meet the requirements for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection of left shoulder, arm (elbow) and knee disorders are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran contends these conditions are related to cold exposure during military service in Alaska.

The Board denied service connection for a back condition, residuals of right shoulder injury, and right hand injury as the evidence did not support a direct link to military service.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his in-service injuries or due to his service-connected disabilities. The claim was reopened based on new evidence but ultimately denied.

The Board has denied service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, but has remanded the claims of diffuse arthritis (other than right shoulder) and gastrointestinal disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of chronic fatigue syndrome, type II diabetes mellitus, right shoulder disability, joint pain, muscle pain, sleep disorder, headaches, and memory loss have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for shoulder disabilities, as well as a rating for right clavicle fracture residuals.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder strain, lumbar degenerative disc disease (claimed as lower back strain), left carpal tunnel syndrome, and right carpal tunnel syndrome. The appeals are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are not ready for decision due to a lack of certain records. The VA is instructed to obtain any relevant Social Security Administration (SSA) records, as well as any private treatment records or lay statements from the Veteran.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability and left shoulder disability are granted with maximum schedular ratings of 40 percent and 30 percent, respectively. The left shoulder scar is denied compensation above the non-compensable rating. Other disabilities have either been granted or denied in their entirety.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The claims include service connection for current residuals of a claimed left shoulder injury, in-service rib fracture, chest injury, lung disorder, kidney disorder, and prostate disorder.

The Veteran's entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate is granted since February 28, 2017 due to having a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted service connection. The issue of secondary service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome to include as secondary to service-connected IBS is remanded.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including right shoulder, back, neck, and psychiatric conditions. The claims are being remanded for additional examinations and consideration.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if any of the service-connected disabilities are related to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder condition and PTSD, finding that the evidence supports a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder condition, bilateral tinnitus, and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain, intervertebral disc syndrome, and spinal fusion due to outstanding VA treatment records and additional examinations.

The Veteran's internal derangement left shoulder with arthritis and ankylosis, along with other service-connected conditions, has resulted in significant functional impairment. The Board finds the evidence insufficient to grant a higher rating prior to January 5, 2012, and greater than 30 percent beginning January 5, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability is reopened.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, to include degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the cervical spine, is reopened.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression, is reopened. The Veteran was granted entitlement to service connection for major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. However, the appeals for other conditions remain pending as they require further development.