Shoulder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's avascular necrosis of the right shoulder is granted an initial rating of 30 percent, but not in excess of that level. The left shoulder remains rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on his service-connected lumbar spine condition, bilateral knee conditions, and pes planus was dismissed as he withdrew the claim. The appeals for tingling and numbness in the right shoulder and a respiratory disorder were remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to lack of medical documentation in the Veteran's service treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to pending claims that could impact the TDIU determination. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded until all service connection and new and material evidence issues are resolved.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claim for a left shoulder disability due to new and material evidence, but the issue of whether it is at least as likely as not that his preexisting condition was aggravated in service remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral shoulder and lower back pain, as well as her right knee condition due to incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable, and a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder, right knee, and left knee disorders. The case is remanded to obtain updated VA examinations and determine appropriate disability ratings.

The Veteran's right shoulder and hip disabilities are found to be secondary to his service-connected right total knee arthroplasty. The lumbar spine disability is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and missing separation examination records. The claims will be reconsidered after obtaining additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various disabilities due to incomplete records and the need to obtain additional information.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for hypertension, pulmonary embolism, status post colon resection, left ankle arthritis, bilateral knee arthritis, bilateral shoulder arthritis, bilateral hand arthritis, and bilateral foot arthritis due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims. Service connection was granted for residuals of recurring incisional hernia with associated scarring.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA medical opinions and inextricably intertwined issues. The case will be returned for further development, including new examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been reopened and granted. The Board found that new evidence supports the reopening of the claim, but denied service connection due to lack of a nexus between current tinnitus and active service. The Veteran is not entitled to SMC based on need for aid and attendance or automobile/adaptive equipment benefits.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated as 30 percent disabling, effective October 17, 2016. The Veteran’s PTSD and migraine headaches are both rated as noncompensable prior to October 17, 2016, but a rating in excess of 30 percent for his migraine headaches is remanded.,The Veteran's left shoulder tendonitis was initially rated as 10 percent disabling. The Veteran’s appeal for an increased rating remains pending and the RO must consider all evidence since the January 2017 supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted as secondary to her service-connected lower extremity disabilities. The cervical spine disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for initial ratings on several service-connected conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left shoulder disability and a sleeping disorder due to insufficient evidence. The decision will be reconsidered with further examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including eye condition, joint pain, shoulder and neck conditions, wrist and hand conditions, knee and ankle conditions, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, all potentially related to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran was not afforded VA examinations due to his inability to report for scheduled exams.