Shoulder decisions — 2018

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

The Veteran's headaches are found to be secondary to his service-connected SPS and/or cervical spine disability.,There is no currently diagnosed left hand condition, but the Veteran's reports of pain may be related to his service-connected SPS.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left shoulder disability and back disability, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), need to be remanded for additional development. The Veteran will receive an SOC regarding his angiodema claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder, and increased ratings for seborrheic dermatitis of the face, neck, and scalp, and superficial acne of the chest, upper back, and shoulder. The Board found that there was no evidence to support the Veteran's claim for service connection based on his in-service knee injury, and denied both skin disability claims as well.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. Additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders and right shoulder/arm disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and therefore, the claims are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for head injury, bilateral leg sciatica, disability manifested by motion sickness and dizziness, tinnitus, bilateral glaucoma, bilateral cataracts, left eye detached retina (secondary to left eye cataracts), left hand disability (secondary to neck disability), right hand disability (secondary to neck disability), bilateral shoulder disability (secondary to neck disability), joint disability, neck disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (posttraumatic stress disorder) (secondary to service-connected lumbar spine disability), and sleep apnea have been denied. The Veteran withdrew these claims during his Board hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder condition did not have onset during active service, was not related to active service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a left knee disorder was dismissed due to withdrawal. The claim of higher initial rating for the right knee disability is denied, and a separate 10% rating is granted effective December 6, 2013, for removal of semilunar cartilage in the right knee with symptoms.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions and records are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection. The case is therefore being remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, left hand, and right hand conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and will provide a supplemental statement of the case if any decision is adverse.

The Board has found that further development of medical evidence is necessary to satisfy VA's duty to assist the Veteran regarding his claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from securing and following substantially gainful employment for the period prior to June 24, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested by tingling and numbness of both legs and feet, cervical spine disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, bilateral elbow disorder, bilateral knee disorder, or depression or other acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are denied as secondary to service-connected mechanical low back pain.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; bilateral shoulder conditions; right lower extremity nerve damage; and left lower extremity nerve damage.

The Veteran has requested to withdraw all of his claims due to receiving a total disability rating based upon unemployability (TDIU). As such, the Board dismisses all issues on appeal.

The Board found insufficient evidence to establish service connection for the Veteran's right upper extremity disability, left shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, lung disability (asthma), and bilateral foot disability. The claims were denied as there was no probative evidence showing a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder and ACL insufficiency of the right knee. The claim for an initial compensable rating for residuals of laceration of the lower lip was also denied.,No new evidence or changes in law have been provided to support reopening any previously denied claims.