Shoulder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, PTSD, and lumbar spine disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of characteristic attacks or ulcers related to Raynaud's phenomenon.

The Board has dismissed all issues due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder condition and a disability manifested by tightness in the chest, finding no evidence of an etiological relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability did not manifest during active service and is not otherwise related to such service. The claim of service connection for a left shoulder disorder is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 1, 2011.

The Veteran's initial ratings for right foot plantar fasciitis, left shoulder acromioclavicular joint degenerative disease with bicep tendonitis and partial subscapularis tendon tear, right shoulder glenohumeral degenerative joint disease (DJD), cervical spine DJD prior to March 2, 2017, cervical spine DJD since March 2, 2017, thoracolumbar spine DJD prior to August 1, 2014, and PTSD prior to March 1, 2017 have all been denied.,The Veteran's initial rating for thoracolumbar spine DJD since August 1, 2014 and PTSD since March 1, 2017 has also been denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 need further development due to missing VA treatment records and incomplete medical opinions.

The Board found no evidence of current left ear, shoulder, or leg disabilities related to service. The Veteran's claims for these conditions were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete examination and the need for additional treatment records. The case will be re-adjudicated after these are obtained.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder disability and an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for right shoulder disability, finding that there is no evidence to support these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral shoulder disability, arm and wrist disability, neck disability, back disability, leg disability (including varicose veins and blood clots), lung disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety, memory loss, sleep disorder), and hip disability. The Board found the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability on the basis that new and material evidence had not been presented to support the claim, as the Veteran's assertions of secondary service connection were not supported by medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for his right knee disability, service connection for various conditions, and entitlement to TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection in all cases.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise the result of a disease or injury incurred in service. The claim for service connection for a low back disability was previously remanded, but no additional development has been completed related to this issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ulnar nerve disability, including post-surgery conditions, is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder disability. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability was incurred or aggravated during service, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder degenerative joint disease is related to his service, and therefore grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine whether the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities and if so, whether he is substantially confined to his dwelling and immediate premises.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder is related to his active military service, including parachute jumps during Airborne training. The left shoulder disorder and sleep apnea are remanded for additional development.