Shoulder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including degenerative arthritis and recurrent dislocation, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board has granted a separate rating of 20 percent for recurrent dislocation.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to confirm the Veteran's periods of active duty service, obtain missing service treatment records, and schedule VA examinations for the claimed disabilities. The appeal will be remanded to complete these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims, particularly regarding his service-connected coronary artery disease, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and left shoulder disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeals for service connection have been withdrawn, and her claims for a left shoulder strain, low back disability, upper face numbness, diabetes, and bulimia are denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease resulting in current disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right shoulder disorder and granted it. The issue of service connection for a skin disorder is also addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's hypertension, cervical spine disability, lumbar spondylolisthesis and degenerative disc disease, and right shoulder replacement (dominant) are all rated at their maximum possible evaluations under the applicable diagnostic codes.,The Veteran is not entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another prior to January 1, 2013 or beginning March 1, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a new VA medical opinion considering all of her service-connected disabilities, including her newly granted left shoulder disability.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability due to a gunshot wound (GSW) of muscle group I, finding that the Veteran's current right shoulder condition is not related to his service-connected MG I injury. The TDIU claim was also denied as there is no evidence showing the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability due to lack of information regarding flare-ups and functional loss during such events. The claim is being remanded for this purpose.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left shoulder disability, finding that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between his current condition and active military service.

The Veteran's right shoulder strain developed in service and is now granted as service-connected.,Service connection for hypertension was granted effective July 2, 2013. The claimant has not provided evidence of a prior claim before this date.,Service connection for tinnitus was granted effective December 1, 2014. The claimant has not provided evidence of a prior claim before this date.,Service connection for low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted effective September 2, 2008. The claimant has not provided evidence of a prior claim before this date.

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are required for the Veteran's increased rating claims and service connection claim. The case is therefore REMANDED.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder disability, prostate condition, and testicular cysts require further development due to the need for medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder disorder and awarded a temporary total rating based on convalescence following surgery. The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 10 percent, effective June 1, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorder, left shoulder injury, and left arm injury are related to service. The broken ribs claim will be addressed as a direct service connection case.

The Veteran's left shoulder strain has been rated at 20 percent since February 24, 2015. The pain and limitation of motion have not warranted a higher rating prior to that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses for his claimed left shoulder, bilateral knee, and bilateral foot conditions. Therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across the board due to lack of evidence supporting his assertions or current diagnoses.