Shoulder decisions — 2018

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the higher ratings for his service-connected cervical spine and bilateral shoulder disabilities, so the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current left shoulder disability is related to service, as his previous denial was based on insufficient rationale and lack of treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a new examination to determine the etiology of any diagnosed cancer of the esophagus and stomach. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to new evidence being added to his file, including VA treatment records. The claims include service connection for various conditions related to scleroderma and other disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder strain, right elbow strain, rash on the back, and diabetes mellitus have all been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the right hip and leg, right knee status post total knee replacement, and left shoulder osteoarthritis as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's claims for bladder cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the legs are remanded due to insufficient information regarding in-service exposure to herbicide agents or formaldehyde.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hip disability, right ear hearing loss, or right knee disability. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum VA examination and updating treatment records.

The Veteran's right shoulder post-operative dislocation is currently rated at 30 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current medical findings.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence, particularly regarding the severity of the Veteran's left shoulder disability and any impairment of muscle function. The Veteran is also being asked to provide information about any private treatment records that may be relevant.

The Veteran withdrew all issues on appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder, right knee, left knee, and right ankle disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to inadequate previous examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further examination and consideration of whether the Veteran's right shoulder disability had its onset during service or is related to his complaints of pain during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to issues with the adequacy of VA examinations, including a need for new evaluations for PTSD, TBI, and residuals of TBI. The Veteran's service-connected conditions include PTSD, TBI, bilateral knee and shoulder disabilities, migraines, back condition, mouth condition, and sinusitis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). The Veteran's claim for service connection for twitching of the face and shoulders is currently under review.

The Board is remanding the case to attempt to obtain missing service treatment records and schedule a VA examination for the Veteran's left shoulder condition. The low back issue will be reopened as new evidence has been submitted.

The Veteran's appeals seeking increased evaluations for his service-connected right shoulder conditions have been dismissed as he has withdrawn both claims.

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are needed to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected left shoulder and low back disabilities, as well as obtaining updated treatment records. The claims for increased ratings will be remanded.

The Board has decided that further development is needed to properly assess the Veteran's claims for service connection of left shoulder and right knee disabilities. The remanded issues include obtaining additional medical records, conducting new VA examinations, and providing a reasoned medical explanation.

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right shoulder, left shoulder, and cervical spine disabilities due to inadequate previous evaluations.