Shoulder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's heart murmur is not a disability for VA purposes, and service connection cannot be granted.,Sleep apnea has been rated at the maximum 50% level due to use of CPAP machine. It does not meet criteria for higher ratings based on respiratory failure or tracheostomy.,Right shoulder degenerative joint disease is currently rated as 20%, which aligns with limitation of motion at shoulder level (170 degrees flexion).,Left knee tendonitis has been rated at the maximum 10% level, reflecting no more than normal range of motion and pain on movement.,Hypertension has not required compensable ratings as it is controlled by medication with diastolic pressure below 100 and systolic pressure consistently below 160.,Psoriasis affects less than five percent of exposed or unexposed areas without requiring systemic corticosteroid or immunosuppressive drugs.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and left shoulder disability are service-connected. The decision is based on a finding of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of lipoma excision was denied due to lack of material evidence. The Board found no current disability related to the claimed condition.,Service connection for stroke residuals, eating disorder, urinary disorder (frequent urination), sleep disorder, erectile dysfunction, and neck scars were all denied as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to service.,The Veteran's GERD and hypertension were also denied as there was no indication that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records related to her disability benefits claim.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disability and granted it. The Veteran's tinnitus is presumed to be due to noise exposure during active service.,Service connection for right shoulder degenerative joint disease was also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a cervical spine disability or bilateral shoulder disability as a result of his service. The claim for an increased rating for IBD is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his right shoulder disability and determine if any right knee condition is related to service.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability has been manifested by limited motion, pain, and weakness during the entire appeal period. The Board found that his current rating of 20 percent is appropriate as it most closely approximates his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for medical opinions regarding right shoulder and knee disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete VA examinations and need for further analysis of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was manifested by painful limited motion more nearly approximating limitation of motion to shoulder level prior to December 5, 2015. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether this condition warranted a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability is not related to service or his service-connected cervical spine disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not cause the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, thus denying entitlement to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed right shoulder, elbow, and wrist disabilities are not related to service. The VA examiners have provided opinions indicating there is no evidence of a chronic disability from service or any link between current conditions and service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and TDIU have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal on all issues except TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, left shoulder disability, and carpal tunnel syndrome in the left wrist are not supported by evidence showing a direct relationship to service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is related to his active service, specifically an in-service injury from a vehicle explosion. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus and bilateral hearing loss. The issues were also addressed regarding right shoulder, foot, hip, and leg disabilities.

The claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA records, and no other specific reasons were provided in the decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder bicipital tendonitis and right hip stress fracture residuals and greater trochanteric bursitis have been granted. The conditions are considered direct service connections based on the evidence of record.