Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for neck, bilateral shoulder, left arm, left hand, and bilateral knee disabilities are denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has denied service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that the current condition is not related to service and there is no credible evidence of an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding entitlement to an initial compensable rating for scar, left shoulder status post surgery. The remaining issues of service connection for right shoulder disability, thoracic spine disability, and right knee disability are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical strain and lumbar strain have been remanded for additional examinations to assess the current severity of his disabilities.,The Veteran's service-connected patellofemoral syndrome in both knees has been remanded for additional examinations to assess the current severity of his disabilities.,The Veteran's service-connected medial tibial stress syndrome in both legs has been remanded for additional examinations to assess the current severity of his disabilities.,The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been remanded for an examination to determine whether he currently has a disability within the meaning of VA regulation.,The Veteran's service connection claim for a bilateral eye condition has been remanded for an examination to determine whether any diagnosed conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active service.,The Veteran's service connection claims for left shoulder, left hand, right hip, right thigh, bilateral ankle, bilateral foot, and bilateral toe disabilities have been remanded for examinations to assess the current severity of his disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of any right shoulder, right wrist, right thumb, or right finger (including right ring finger) disabilities. The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities may also be considered in relation to his left hip disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disability, sciatica of the left lower extremity, and sciatica of the right lower extremity due to a lack of competent and credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the November 2002 EMG test may have caused or aggravated additional disability, specifically left shoulder pain and numbness. However, due to insufficient evidence addressing all relevant factors, the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right arm, right wrist, left wrist, low back, right knee, and left knee conditions did not have their onset during active service or are otherwise related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

Service connection for right shoulder strain and degenerative arthritis is granted.,Initial ratings of 10 percent, but no higher, for right knee osteoarthritis with limitation of flexion are granted.,Initial ratings of 20 percent, but no higher, for right knee osteoarthritis with limitation of extension are granted.,TDIU from March 14, 2017 is granted.,TDIU prior to March 14, 2017 on an extraschedular basis under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection to his right shoulder condition was reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board has granted service connection based on the aggravation of a pre-existing disability during active duty.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions are remanded due to incomplete records and need for further medical opinions. The claim for a higher rating for tinnitus is denied as the current schedular rating is adequate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for his service-connected right shoulder disability, back disability, and tinnitus ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for her cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities were denied. The left shoulder disability claim was denied as there is no evidence of a distinct condition separate from the already service-connected cervical spine and left upper extremity radiculopathy. For the cervical spine, the 20 percent rating was granted effective March 20, 2014, but not prior to that date. The lumbar spine disability claim resulted in a remand for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative spondylosis of L5 and rheumatoid arthritis (presumed due to hepatitis C), rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 25, 2012. His TDIU claim is granted on an extraschedular basis from May 4, 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar degenerative changes and left shoulder rotator cuff tear with degenerative changes, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The case is also remanded to address the need for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to internal inconsistencies in previous opinions and lack of verification of mustard gas exposure. The claims are also remanded for a TDIU determination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left wrist and bilateral shoulder disabilities due to outstanding VA treatment records, notification issues, and need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of a sling used post-surgery for his service-connected right shoulder disability. The authorization for surgery implicitly included provision of a sling as part of the medical care.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for cervical spine, left shoulder, and right shoulder disorders due to insufficient development in the previous decisions.

The Board has decided to remand two issues related to the Veteran's service-connected right shoulder strain and scars associated with basal cell carcinoma due to a lack of recent VA examinations.