Shoulder decisions — 2018

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for his cervical spine disability, lumbar spine DDD/DJD, and right shoulder impingement syndrome due to lack of medical evidence supporting a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's depression and adjustment disorder secondary to left shoulder, left knee, and low back pain are rated at 50% prior to June 12, 2017. A rating of 70% is granted for the period from June 12, 2017 forward. The associated lumbar LLE radiculopathy is rated at 10%. The limitation of motion on extension of the left knee is rated at 0%, and a separate rating not to exceed 10% for non-LOM symptoms of left knee bursitis and posterior cruciate ligament strain (September 10, 2011 to April 21, 2014) is granted. The superficial painful scars are rated at 0%, and a compensable rating for scar residual, forehead, is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for a left shoulder disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, and left knee disorder. The claim for vertigo is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's left shoulder condition is not service-connected.,Effective dates for TDIU and DEA eligibility are denied.,An effective date earlier than October 31, 2011, for the award of service connection for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is denied.,An effective date earlier than April 20, 2016, for the award of service connection for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is denied.,A disability rating of 30 percent, but no higher, prior to June 9, 2016, for service-connected radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is granted.,From June 9, 2016, a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is denied.,An initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent prior to March 1, 2011, for a service-connected cervical spine disorder is denied.,From March 1, 2011 to February 13, 2017, a disability rating of 30 percent, but no higher, for a service-connected cervical spine disorder is granted.,From February 13, 2017, a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for a service-connected cervical spine disorder is denied.,An initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected limited motion of the left knee prior to June 9, 2016, is denied.,A disability rating of 50 percent, but no higher, for service-connected limited motion of the left knee from June 9, 2016 to August 18, 2017, is granted.,From August 18, 2017, a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected limited motion of the left knee is denied.,An initial compensable disability rating for service-connected left knee instability prior to June 9, 2016, is denied.,From June 9, 2016 to August 18, 2017, a disability rating of 30 percent, but no higher, for service-connected left knee instability is granted.,From August 18, 2017, a compensable disability rating for service-connected left knee instability is denied.,An initial compensable disability rating for a service-connected left knee meniscal condition prior to September 24, 2015, is denied.,A disability rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for a service-connected left knee meniscal condition from September 24, 2015, is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of records, including SSA disability benefits records.

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

The Board has determined that new evidence has been submitted sufficient to readjudicate the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability. The appeal is granted in this regard. However, the issue of whether the Veteran's right shoulder disability is related to her service-connected disabilities or an in-service injury remains pending and requires further examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a right hip disability is denied as there is no evidence of a right hip condition during or related to his military service. The claim for an increased rating for his right shoulder disability is also denied due to lack of additional evidence showing the current level of impairment.

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder DJD, service connection for left shoulder disorder and low back disorder have all been denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination report, and a new examination is needed on remand.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 40 percent, the highest possible under Diagnostic Code 5200 for unfavorable ankylosis of scapulohumeral articulation. The rating for hypertension remains at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded two issues: the right shoulder disability and the low back pain. The claims are being returned for further examination to determine the severity of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for right and left shoulder disorders, finding no evidence of a current disability related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the other issues related to the Veteran's conditions are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate August 2017 medical opinion, and a new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's right shoulder disorder had its onset during his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a viral syndrome condition and an increased rating for his right shoulder strain disability due to incomplete development of records and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a right shoulder disorder due to the Veteran's assertions and VA treatment records showing current symptoms.,The TDIU claim is dismissed as the Veteran has been in receipt of a total schedular rating throughout the appeal period.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for compensation pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a traumatic brain injury and right shoulder disability as a result of a fall sustained at the New Orleans VAMC on August 17, 2005 due to insufficient evidence of record. The issue of service connection for a left hip disability is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for residuals of gunshot wound to the left posterior shoulder is denied as there is no evidence of more than slight impairment of Muscle Group I or unstable scars.

The Veteran's right foot planter fasciitis, degenerative joint disease of the right foot, obstructive sleep apnea, liver disability (fatty liver disease), and psychiatric disability (major depressive disorder) have all been granted service connection. The Veteran also has a left foot disability that is service-connected.