Shoulder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and the case is dismissed as a result of his statement indicating satisfaction with his benefits.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his cervical spine disability and left shoulder disorder.

The Veteran is granted a 20 percent disability rating for his right shoulder osteoarthritis, effective from the date of the decision. For his right knee sprain prior to November 22, 2016, he is granted a noncompensable disability rating; after that date, he is granted a 10 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for updated medical evidence and a VA examination. The issues include PTSD, allergic rhinitis, grinding teeth, and right shoulder disability.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for bilateral hearing loss, left shoulder condition, and right plantar condition prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability did not originate in service and is not otherwise related to his active service. The claim of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disability is denied.

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee and left shoulder disabilities, as well as his current level of service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for back disability, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, hypertension, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The VA examiner found that these conditions are less likely than not incurred in service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated as 20 percent disabling prior to May 24, 2013 and as 30 percent thereafter. Effective June 15, 2017 through August 9, 2017, and November 1, 2017 and thereafter, the Veteran is entitled to a 40 percent rating for his right shoulder disability.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a left knee disability during service or within one year after separation, and the Veteran's current left knee condition is not related to his right knee disability. The right shoulder and right knee disabilities were also not shown to be incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the appellant did not serve during a period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and therefore cannot establish veteran status. As such, service connection is denied for all claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes. The claims of service connection for cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities are denied as there is no evidence to support the presence of these conditions during or after active duty.

The Veteran's right shoulder impingement and cervical radiculopathy of the right arm are currently rated at 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively. The Veteran seeks higher ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to evaluate the current nature of his bilateral shoulder disability, focusing specifically on range of motion during flare-ups. The case will be readjudicated after this.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment notes and scheduling a VA peripheral nerves examination to determine if her cervical spine disability results in cervical radiculopathy. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder disability was not incurred or aggravated by service, and his TDIU claim was denied as his combined rating is less than the required 70% for a schedular TDIU determination.

The Veteran's cervical disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with radiation to both shoulders is etiologically related to his active duty service and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board is unable to determine the exact cause of the Veteran's service-connected heart disorder, but it has permanently progressed at an abnormally high rate due to his major depressive disorder and lumbar strain with arthritis. The right shoulder disorder, left knee meniscal tear, osteoarthritis of the right knee, bilateral venous insufficiency, and bilateral foot disorder are all found to be related to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and needs further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.