Shoulder decisions — 2018

The Board has decided that a new VA examination is needed to assess the Veteran's current level of disability due to his right shoulder condition, and requests additional private treatment records from Scripps Clinic.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability, right leg radiculopathy, and left leg radiculopathy have been denied as the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The issues of rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee instability, right shoulder mild degenerative joint disease, and left shoulder degenerative changes have been remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability was reopened due to new and material evidence. Service connection is granted, with a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to September 16, 2016, and an increased rating of 70 percent for PTSD effective from September 16, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability has been reopened and granted. A 10 percent rating is assigned for the left elbow scar, effective from when the decision was made. The claims of increased ratings for left knee and left elbow disabilities are remanded.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a left shoulder disability due to new and material evidence. However, the Veteran's claim is denied as there is no probative evidence showing that his current left shoulder disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for left shoulder residual surgical scar associated with his service-connected left shoulder acromioclavicular joint separation is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including a bilateral eye disorder, varicose veins of the left lower extremity, gallbladder disorder, diverticulitis (GI Disorder), and right hip disorder were denied. The decision also noted that his period of ACDUTRA did not show any superimposed injury or aggravation of an existing condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for various conditions, including hearing loss, DJD of the right knee, limitation of extension of the right knee, left knee disorder, bone disorder, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left thigh disorder, right thigh disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, neck muscle spasms, visual defect, hypertension, GERD, brain tumor, peripheral neuropathy and polyneuropathy, seizure disorder, and other conditions. The claims are remanded due to the need for additional evidence or clarification.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for right shoulder pain, cervical spine pain, and left knee retropatellar pain syndrome due to a lack of VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for a combined effects medical opinion regarding his service-connected disabilities prior to July 23, 2014.

The Veteran's left shoulder osteoarthritis is currently rated at 30 percent, effective August 16, 2012. The Board found that the Veteran’s range of motion during flare-ups more nearly approximated a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition is granted service connection, and he is awarded a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded multiple issues including service connection for various conditions, as well as the rating and TDIU claims. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical records and undergo examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases of cervical spine spondylosis, right knee osteoarthritis, hypertension, and left shoulder and arm disability for further development. The Veteran's claims are not granted as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of djd of the right knee was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a grant of an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's left shoulder arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating. The Veteran’s service-connected diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent and there are no compensable complications.,Diabetes mellitus requires more than one daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities (avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities) with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring at least three hospitalizations per year or weekly visits to a diabetic care provider.

The Board previously remanded the right shoulder disorder claim, but did not reevaluate it after a VA examination. The case is being sent back for proper consideration.

The Veteran's back disability is granted service connection. The initial rating for right shoulder labral tear prior to February 15, 2018, and the rating in excess of 20 percent after that date are both granted. Service connection for headaches is also granted.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is rated at 10 percent. The left shoulder disability and scars are being remanded for further examination and rating.