Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder strain and left knee strain, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder disabilities have been rated at 20 percent each, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has denied increased ratings for the Veteran's right shoulder and left ankle disabilities, but has granted a higher rating of 40% for the right shoulder disability from April 1, 2019. The case is REMANDED to consider the Veteran's TDIU claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and bilateral shoulder arthritis, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has a current right shoulder disorder and its relationship to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's left shoulder disability is secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disability. The VA needs to obtain relevant medical records and conduct an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to MST is denied as there is no credible evidence of an in-service event, injury or disease.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee injury is denied as there is no credible evidence of an in-service event, injury or disease.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder condition is denied as there is no credible evidence of an in-service event, injury or disease.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for intestinal problems is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as the Veteran does not have a hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased rating of left shoulder disability due to incomplete VA examination records and failure to address functional loss during flare-ups. The Veteran's right knee disability is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left wrist disability, left shoulder disability, left knee disability, GERD, and major depressive disorder with anxious distress were granted effective July 10, 2015. The Board denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his lumbar spine, left shoulder, and bilateral leg conditions.

Service connection is granted for a neck disability. The Veteran's right shoulder, bilateral heel, sleep apnea, hypertension, and GERD disabilities are not service-connected.,The Veteran's request to reopen his claims for service connection for psychiatric disability and neck disability has been granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for right shoulder sprain, right wrist sprain, and right ankle sprain due to a lack of an SSOC. The issue of service connection for a stomach/esophageus disorder is also remanded as it requires a VA addendum opinion.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder and left knee disabilities are remanded due to insufficient evidence. Additional examinations will be required.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of September 14, 2015, finding that this was the later of the date of claim and the date entitlement arose. The Veteran previously satisfied the schedular requirements for a TDIU as of August 5, 2011.

The Veteran's initial rating for migraine is granted at 50%. The Board finds the Veteran’s migraines to be manifested by very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. Service connection for left shoulder AC joint and rotator cuff arthritis, and dizziness are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability and a right wrist disability, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these disabilities are related to service.,Both conditions were diagnosed post-service, but the Veteran provided competent and credible lay evidence of in-service injuries and continuity of symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for acid reflux, cervical spine disorder, upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, shoulder disorder, knee disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea have been denied as new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen these previously denied claims.,Service connection for costochondritis was also denied due to lack of a nexus between the condition and active service.

The Board has denied service connection for a left shoulder condition and remanded the claim for sinusitis. The decision is binding only with respect to the specific matters decided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder and neck disabilities, both related to his service-connected left shoulder disability, have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and evidence collection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including examinations to address his claimed conditions and their relationship to service. The claims are being remanded.