Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypogonadism and celiac disease, as well as the initial evaluations for these conditions, were granted. The right shoulder scars received a non-compensable rating, while hypertension, right shoulder rotator cuff tear, lumbar spine degenerative joint disease with degenerative disc disease, and right knee plica syndrome all had their evaluations remanded.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate for decision-making purposes and requires an addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran's right shoulder disability, including 'old grade 1/2 joint separation,' is related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation was remanded due to the lack of loss of use in either lower extremity. The effective date for increased rating Crohn's disease remains January 15, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his lumbar spine and left shoulder disabilities are being remanded due to procedural issues. The VA is instructed to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) regarding the left shoulder disability, and the Veteran must submit a VA Form 9 within 60 days if he wishes to appeal this decision.

The Veteran's initial claim of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability was granted, and he is currently rated at 20 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep deprivation is denied as he does not have a diagnosed sleep disorder other than one associated with his psychiatric disorders.,The Veteran’s right shoulder disorder and bilateral knee disorder are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA treatment records and clarifying diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to in-service injuries. The Veteran and his fellow servicemembers provided statements supporting their in-service injuries. A new examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed left shoulder and neck disabilities, specifically in relation to their onset during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various disabilities, including left shoulder, right shoulder, left knee, right knee, neck disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder with anxious distress features) have been granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right eye disorder, right shoulder disability, and cephalgia. The case is remanded to obtain additional evidence and provide further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an extension of his temporary total disability rating based on convalescence due to service-connected right shoulder disability is denied as he does not meet the criteria under VA regulations.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder tendinitis with arthritis should be remanded due to new evidence received after the last review by the AOJ.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds no basis to grant a compensable rating.,The Veteran's lower back disability is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board finds no basis to grant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a right shoulder disability is granted.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a low back disability is granted.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a right knee disability is denied.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a left knee disability is denied.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a respiratory disability (claimed as asthma) is granted.,The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for allergies is denied.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and lumbar spine disorder are granted service connection. The joint pain issue is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's right ankle tendinopathy with degenerative joint disease is now rated at 20 percent effective from September 19, 2017. The initial rating for her right shoulder tendonitis remains at 20 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder tendinitis, obstructive sleep apnea, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee. The conditions are considered to be directly related to active service.

The Board denied service connection for trigger finger of the right hand, finding that there was no evidence linking it to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right shoulder arthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, and a chronic headache disorder due to incomplete medical opinions and procedural errors.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for upper respiratory disability, low back disability, bilateral knee disability, pes planus, acquired psychiatric disability (likely depression and anxiety), and left shoulder disability due to incomplete development. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is also being evaluated.