Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an updated VA examination.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for arthritis in neck, including as secondary to the service-connected right shoulder arthritis and chronic tendonitis status-post arthrotomy is denied. The Veteran's claims for evaluations in excess of 20 percent for his bilateral shoulder disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's right hip disability is remanded due to his service-connected right knee and lumbar spine disabilities. The claims for higher ratings of his right knee, left shoulder, lumbar spine, and sinusitis are also remanded as the severity of these conditions may have increased since the last VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and stroke residuals due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is also denied increased ratings for scar tissue on his right shoulder and forearms.

The Veteran's GERD was diagnosed during service and is granted as service connected. The claims for shoulder, back, and knee disabilities are remanded due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his left shoulder DJD was denied. The current disability rating of 30 percent is maintained as the evidence does not show that the Veteran's left shoulder DJD more closely approximates a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a left shoulder disability and back disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran is presumed competent to report his service activities, but VA must obtain an examination to determine if any current disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are remanded due to the passage of time and allegations of worsening conditions. Further, new VA examinations are needed as the current evidence is insufficient.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, updated records, and development of his service history.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, back disability (claimed as lumbar strain), and tinnitus. The evidence did not establish that any of these conditions began during active service or were otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and ankle disorders due to inadequate August 2016 examination.

The Board has denied service connection for a separated shoulder as there is no evidence of chronic care and the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's right shoulder disability, finding that the objective medical evidence did not support such a higher evaluation after October 1, 2011.

The Board has denied increased disability ratings for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities. The claim of entitlement to a total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disorder, lower and middle back disorder, and pes planus due to additional development being necessary.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for tuberculosis. The claims for service connection for right shoulder, bilateral wrist/forearm, bilateral knee, and bilateral hearing loss conditions are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disorder has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder pain, chronic low back pain, right knee pain, and right foot pain. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty.

The Board has denied reopening of previously denied claims for service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee and foot disorders, heart disorder, eye injury residuals, Meniere’s Syndrome, degenerative arthritis of the upper extremities, left shoulder injury, right wrist disorder, fractured ribs, ear disorder (excluding hearing loss), tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, bleeding disorder, and diabetes mellitus. The Board also remanded for further action on a claim for service connection for a left wrist disorder.