Shoulder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected right shoulder and right ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and treatment records.

Your claims for service connection are being remanded to allow the VA to obtain any outstanding treatment records and then review your cases again.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, low back, neck, and residuals of a left-side rib injury disorders due to inadequate medical opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Board found no current disabilities of the bilateral shoulder, cervical spine, or right knee. The Veteran's reported traumatic brain injury and sleep apnea were not supported by evidence in service records or post-service treatment notes.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for right shoulder rotator cuff, hemorrhoids, inguinal hernia, tinea versicolor, and bilateral hand eczema. The Board also requested a new examination for PTSD.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current neck and shoulder conditions are not related to her periods of active duty for training (ADT) in April 2001 and April 2004, respectively. The claims for left knee disorder, bilateral shin splints, residual right toe fracture, tinnitus, and palmar rash have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches has been reopened, but the Board is unable to determine if the new evidence establishes a current disability or relates it to service. The other issues are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 1, 2011 for additional dependency benefits was denied as proof of dependents was not submitted within one year of notification.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for a right shoulder disability and service connection for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity. The Veteran's left shoulder bursitis is found to not have caused or aggravated these disabilities, but further examination is needed to determine if they are related to his active service.

The appeal for service connection for a right rib disability is dismissed. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a right shoulder disability, bilateral foot disability, and back disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for post-operative residuals of recurrent right shoulder dislocations with degenerative joint disease is denied, and the effective date remains August 26, 2013.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, and they will be reconsidered by the RO.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the nature and severity of his right knee disabilities, including whether a left knee disability is secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, right shoulder disability, and hypertension.,There is no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions that can be linked to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability and a low back disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will need to provide information about private treatment records, undergo VA examinations, and have his claims readjudicated.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral ankle, hand, shoulder, and left elbow disabilities due to inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's complaints of widespread joint pain during his service in South West Asia are considered. The AOJ is required to obtain any outstanding VA and private treatment records and issue a SOC on the application to reopen a claim of service connection for a back disability and claims for higher ratings for left knee and right elbow disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for otitis media, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus II (due to Agent Orange exposure), right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability. The claim for reopening of the otitis media claim was granted but service connection is not established.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for scapular strain, left (non-dominant) shoulder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including identifying any outstanding treatment records.

The Board found that the Veteran's neck, shoulder, and back conditions are not due to service-connected conditions or exposure to ionizing radiation. The evidence does not support a finding of undiagnosed illness, and there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of a left shoulder disability, right elbow disability, back disability, and right knee disability. The appeal concerning PTSD was also dismissed.,Service connection for these conditions was granted in an April 2018 rating decision.