Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Board dismissed the appeals for higher initial ratings and service connection claims related to right total knee arthroplasty, mechanical low back pain, DJD of the right hip, right ankle disability, PTSD, erectile dysfunction (secondary to physical disabilities), and right shoulder strain (secondary to physical disabilities).

The Veteran withdrew their appeals for right shoulder, right knee, and muscle conditions before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied because the evidence did not demonstrate that he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for dysthymic disorder was denied as there was no CUE in the November 2009 rating decision.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss were remanded due to new evidence showing a worsening of his condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hand, wrist, and shoulder conditions as secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee patellofemoral syndrome due to lack of a diagnosis and need for clarification on functional impairment.

The Veteran's bladder condition is not diagnosed, and his hip, shoulder, and neck disabilities have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, and he is granted TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and evaluations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including lumbar spine disability, right shoulder disability, and cysts. The claim for a higher rating for tinnitus remains denied as it is at its maximum schedular rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left knee, shoulder, and low back disorders were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for low back, left knee, left hip, and right shoulder conditions have been reopened. The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and potential conflicts in medical opinions. The Veteran will need a supplemental VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, left shoulder condition, and right shoulder condition due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their onset during or related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing medical records and unclear nature of his current conditions. The claims will be reviewed again with new examinations and opinions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection of a left shoulder disability, right knee disability, and neck disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The TDIU claim is also remanded as there is uncertainty about the Veteran's current employment status.

The Board has granted service connection for left hip pain and left shoulder pain, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder strain and denied service connection for tinnitus. The claim for left shoulder disability is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her service-connected right shoulder and lumbosacral strain disabilities require additional development due to inadequate medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various spine and shoulder disorders due to incomplete or conclusory opinions in the previous VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left shoulder disability. However, the claim remains denied as there is insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the current condition and his period of service.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for right shoulder, right foot, left foot disabilities and a sleep disability due to incomplete VA examination reports and lack of relevant treatment records.