Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the schedular criteria.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches and service connection for low back disability and left shoulder strain are denied. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a low back disability due to conflicting evidence.

The Board denied service connection for low back, neck, and left shoulder disabilities as there was no evidence of a relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for recurrent right shoulder dislocation based on aggravation during service, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated by his in-service injury and subsequent surgery.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral shoulder and elbow disabilities. The decision is final as these conditions have not been diagnosed or shown to be related to service.,For the remaining issues, including left ankle, knee, and hip disabilities, the Board has found that VA needs to provide a medical examination to determine if there are current disabilities and whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis and right (dominant) shoulder strain have been rated at the maximum allowed under their respective diagnostic codes.,The Veteran's bilateral plantar fascitis has not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right shoulder disability prior to February 14, 2011 was denied. The claim for a higher rating from February 14, 2011 to April 13, 2012 and from April 14, 2012 to November 7, 2017 was granted with the maximum schedular ratings available.,The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating after November 8, 2017 was granted at 40 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is dismissed as his PTSD, which he claimed for TDIU, has been rated at 100% since June 30, 2010. The issue of service connection for GERD is also dismissed as the benefit sought on appeal has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability and a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service falls.,Service connection was denied for residuals of a traumatic mouth injury, including loss of teeth (dental condition), due to lack of evidence showing bone loss of the maxilla or mandible from trauma.

The Board has denied service connection for TBI and remanded the issue of service connection for right shoulder injury due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating issues require additional examinations and evidence to determine the etiology of his disabilities, as well as the appropriate disability ratings. The appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and potential new evidence.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder and right knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The right hand scar is rated as non-compensable due to its area being less than 39 square centimeters and not meeting the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7801.,The right hand laceration of extensor tendon, status post repair does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent as there is no evidence of moderately-severe or severe impairment.,The right shoulder arthritis, impingement syndrome and strain do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent due to the Veteran's range of motion exceeding below shoulder height during flare-ups.,Service connection for residuals, status post avulsion of left fifth toenail with skin flap is remanded as there is no evidence that the current disability is related to service.

The Board dismissed the appeal of service connection for sleep apnea. The claim to reopen service connection for headaches was granted, and the Veteran's headaches were found to be related to his in-service injury. The issue of service connection for a left shoulder disability is remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent disabling, and the Board denied an increased rating as his limitation of motion has not been restricted to a level that would warrant a higher rating.

The claim for service connection for hypertension, also claimed as stroke, was reopened and granted. The claims for service connection for gout, allergies, and arthritis of the bilateral legs, hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, hands, and fingers were denied.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary to comply with VA's duty to assist before a final adjudication of the Veteran's claims can be accomplished. The Veteran’s service treatment records show treatment and diagnoses for some of the claimed conditions, but there are gaps in her medical history since she left active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his joint disabilities.