Shoulder decisions — 2018

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability, right elbow disability, and right wrist disability due to an in-service dog bite. The evidence does not support a finding that these disabilities are related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for right shoulder condition and skin disorders due to inadequate opinions regarding causation and aggravation. The Veteran's right shoulder condition may be aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder, but this needs further clarification. For the skin disorders, there is a need for an opinion on whether they are related to service or pre-existing conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for right shoulder condition and skin disorders due to inadequate opinions regarding causation and aggravation. The Veteran's right shoulder condition may be aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder, but this needs further clarification. For the skin disorders, there is a need for an opinion on whether they are related to service or pre-existing conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left shoulder, left knee, and bilateral feet. The issues of service connection for neuropathy are also remanded. HIV is remanded as there is a current diagnosis and in-service incidents. PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including bipolar disorder) are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current cervical spine, right shoulder, right ankle and right knee disorders and his service. The VA is required to provide a new examination for each disorder.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability and scar were evaluated, but the current ratings for these conditions are denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral vascular disease and coronary artery disease have been granted. The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed as his disability rating for coronary artery disease has already reached the maximum schedular rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for rib-fracture residuals and residual surgical scars of the right knee, right shoulder, and left foot are being remanded due to incomplete evaluations. The Veteran must provide a response to the Statement of the Case or have his appeal perfected by submitting a timely substantive appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's case for further examination and opinion regarding his service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The current appeal involves issues related to increased ratings for right shoulder DJD, rotator cuff tear, deep scars, painful scars, and a superoanterior glenohumeral joint region scar.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen several service connection claims, but the Veteran's claim for a right thigh condition remains denied as there is no medical evidence linking the current condition to his active duty service. The other reopened claims are also denied due to lack of competent medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability and right shoulder disability were incurred or aggravated by active service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, lumbar spine, and cervical spine. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to in-service events.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee instability is granted. The issues of entitlement to initial compensable ratings for wrist conditions and service connection for hand, shoulder, and foot conditions are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability and TDIU, finding that there is no evidence to support a direct relationship between his current condition and service. The Board also found that his current disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's right shoulder, left hip, and bilateral knee disabilities are granted service connection. Service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various spine and joint disorders, including cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hip disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and bilateral shoulder disorder. The case is sent back to VA for further development and examination.

The Veteran's right shoulder arthroplasty with scars is currently rated at 60 percent, which reflects severe painful motion and weakness. The Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating as the current rating adequately accounts for his symptoms.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various disabilities, including left knee disorder, right shoulder disorder, right forearm fracture residuals, right wrist disorder, and right ankle disorder. The diabetes claim is also remanded. VA treatment records from the 1980s are requested as well as any private medical records prior to 1988.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision also noted that the Veteran's left knee disability was granted with a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder and left ankle disorders, but denied service connection for his coronary artery disease (CAD) and a claimed left foot disorder. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide an addendum opinion regarding the left foot disorder.