Shoulder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine its etiology, as the previous opinion relied too heavily on the absence of medical evidence from service.

The Veteran's left shoulder scar, which measures no longer than 10 centimeters and is stable but painful, warrants a 10 percent rating.

The Board granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's left shoulder disability prior to July 29, 2016 and found service connection for gastrointestinal disability (IBS) was warranted. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee and shoulder degenerative joint disease is related to service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability did not manifest during service and is not attributable to a disease or injury in service. The claim was denied as there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-service disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of the Veteran's right shoulder and lumbar spine disabilities during service, requiring further examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's left shoulder separation is rated at 30 percent, the highest possible rating under Diagnostic Code 5201. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other criteria.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, effective April 2, 2018. The lumbar spine disability was granted an initial rating of 20 percent from March 9, 2016 onwards for radiculopathy associated with the IVDS. No higher ratings are warranted.

The Board has remanded the claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left shoulder impingement syndrome due to a lack of recent VA examination, and requested additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral flat feet and left shoulder disability are service-connected. The decision also grants the reopening of the claim for bilateral flat feet.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder tendonitis and left shoulder tendonitis, finding that there is no evidence of a link between his current condition and active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and verify her service dates. A VA examination will be scheduled to determine the nature and etiology of any left shoulder disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is etiologically related to his period of active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's left shoulder arthritis, right shoulder arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the back were all found to have their onset during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder and bilateral knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder osteoarthritis is service-connected, as it was incurred during his active duty. However, the claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues remaining on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of an increased evaluation for left shoulder impingement syndrome remains pending.