Shoulder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or being housebound due to service-connected disability from September 16, 2013 to March 23, 2015.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal, and the Board dismissed it as a result.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, thoracic spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities. The Veteran's asthma disability was also not granted a compensable rating prior to January 16, 2015.,There is no current diagnosis of any of the claimed conditions at any time relevant to the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of low back injury with herniated nucleus pulposus L4-L5 and degenerative changes is dismissed. The Veteran's left shoulder condition, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied service connection for a left third finger disability and denied increased ratings for left shoulder acromioclavicular osteoarthrosis, right shoulder bicipital tendinitis, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder impingement syndrome secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left lower extremity radiculopathy. The case is also remanded for further development regarding an initial rating for degenerative joint disease of the left knee and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, effective date determinations, and rating decisions. The main issues are seeking clarification on the etiology of left shoulder and elbow disabilities, skin disability, and left wrist disability; determining appropriate effective dates for service connection and ratings; and addressing the service connection for left sciatic nerve impingement and sinusitis.

The Board has decided to remand three issues: increased ratings for left shoulder and left elbow disabilities, and a TDIU claim. The Veteran will need additional examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right shoulder and back disabilities. The claims of service connection for these conditions are pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder disability and left shoulder disability beyond already service-connected condition. The decision also noted that a VA examination should be scheduled to determine the current severity of his left shoulder disability.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, muscle weakness and twitching, vitamin D deficiency, and irritable bowel syndrome. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is remanded.

The Board has determined that service connection for high cholesterol is denied as it is not a disability. The Veteran's claims for other conditions are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of any of the claimed conditions and has not had diagnoses at any time during the pendency of the claim or recent to the filing of the claim. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and missing records. The claims will be reviewed again with additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder pain and peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities (claimed as carpal tunnel syndrome) due to their association with his service-connected disabilities. The case is sent back for a VA examination to determine if these conditions are secondary to or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

An effective date of July 18, 2008, but no earlier, for the award of service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is granted.,For the period prior to October 17, 2012, a rating in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is denied. For the period from October 17, 2012, onward, a rating in excess of 40 percent for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is denied.,For the period prior to October 17, 2012, a rating in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is denied. For the period from October 17, 2012, onward, a rating in excess of 40 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is denied.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder disability is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the initial rating for left shoulder limitation of motion, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for leukemia has been withdrawn.,Service connection is granted for bilateral plantar fasciitis/bone spurs and tinea pedis.