Shoulder decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for left and right shoulder disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his in-service shoulder conditions.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for a low back disability has been granted. The claims for increased ratings and TDIU are still pending.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis, right clavicle disability, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and right wrist CTS. Service connection for a neck injury and a bilateral leg disability is also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to June 23, 2015, for service connection of various shoulder and knee conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity and a right shoulder disorder, finding that additional medical opinions are needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

This case involves multiple claims for service connection, all denied. The Veteran contends that there was clear and unmistakable error in the September 1993 rating decisions denying his claims for cervical strain, right shoulder impingement syndrome with degenerative arthritis, hypertension with stage 3 chronic kidney disease and renal insufficiency, and degenerative changes of lumbosacral spine. The Board found that there was no CUE in these decisions.,Reasoning: The Veteran's arguments were based on the interpretation of his service treatment records showing injuries sustained during service. However, the Board determined that the RO did not commit CUE as the correct facts were available and correctly applied the laws at the time.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a bilateral shoulder disability and cervical spine disability due to inadequate examinations in prior decisions. The Veteran contends that her disabilities are related to service, specifically wearing a radio backpack while on guard duty.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating of 30 percent for his right shoulder disability is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for right ear hearing loss due to inadequate examination in September 2013.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disorder, low back disorder, left hip disorder, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and right ankle disorder. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims of in-service injury or disease.,There is no credible evidence linking any current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's migraine and tension headaches are granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The left shoulder disability, arthritis, and right knee strain claims are denied.

The Veteran's right and left shoulder degenerative changes with tendinosis are currently rated at 20 percent each, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to insufficient information and need for further examination. The Veteran's joint pain, shoulder disorders, back disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder are all being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left shoulder disability was denied as the evidence did not show that his range of motion had been limited to 25 degrees from side, which is required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis is now rated at 20 percent, hypertension remains noncompensable, IBS with GERD continues to be rated at 30 percent, and specific phobia and generalized anxiety disorder remain at 30 percent. Service connection for epistaxis, sinusitis, and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent, but no higher, due to limitation of motion. The Board found that the Veteran’s range of motion was around 55 degrees, which approximates the 30 percent rating criteria for the major extremity.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right shoulder disabilities have resulted in a TDIU since July 15, 2004. The appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his shoulder conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the date of entitlement and his employment history during the relevant period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a left shoulder disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to provide VA with his private treatment records, specifically from Dr. S.G., and undergo examinations to determine if he has any current diagnoses of these conditions and whether they are related to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating higher than 10 percent for post-operative residuals of right shoulder dislocations with osteoarthritis.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims for service connection can be decided. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hand disability, and right shoulder disability are all subject to further examination and opinion.