Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities related to his shoulders, cervical spine, and knee have not been rated appropriately. The Board has ordered remand for further examinations to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right ear hearing loss, right shoulder disability, and back disability have all been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or causal relationship to service.,There are no objective findings of a right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus. The appeal for TDIU is dismissed. Effective dates are denied for PTSD and left shoulder subluxation/capsular shift. Bilateral hearing loss remains remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right shoulder joint disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for his right shoulder disability, finding that it was proximately caused by his service-connected left knee disability. The other two disabilities (right knee and lower back) were denied as not being related to the service-connected conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding all listed conditions, effectively dismissing the cases.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, including spinal stenosis, and related secondary disabilities (low back disability, myoclonus of the neck and shoulders, atrophy of the hands, urinary incontinence) are not service-connected. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for bilateral flat feet and right shoulder disabilities, as well as the claim for an increased rating for the acquired psychiatric disorder. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of records regarding the appellant's service in the National Guard and ROTC program, as well as his treatment for a left shoulder rotator cuff disability. The AOJ must develop these records and obtain medical evidence before making a determination on the claim.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center on August 12, 2013 were denied because the services were not rendered in a 'medical emergency' and no VA facility was feasibly available.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities and to obtain updated VA examinations.,The Veteran has multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including increased ratings for various knee disorders, shoulder strain, wrist strain, thoracic spine compression fracture, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, bilateral plantar fasciitis with first metatarsophalangeal joint degenerative arthritis, pansinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and tension headaches. Additionally, he seeks service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and right flank condition with numbness.

Service connection is granted for right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities, but the claim for a right ankle disability is not addressed as it was not appealed. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development on several issues, including service connection for diabetes and increased ratings for various knee and shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at the highest possible level (10%) and no higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any diagnostic code.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right shoulder, left wrist tendinitis, back, and neck disabilities have been denied. The VA found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss or additional limitations due to pain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a left shoulder disability and sleep apnea due to new evidence submitted since the last final decision. The issues of service connection are now before the RO for further review.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left arm and wrist disorder, finding no direct or secondary relationship to his military service.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for left shoulder, left elbow, bilateral eye disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD). Additionally, the nonservice-connected pension benefits claim is also being remanded. The VA must obtain relevant treatment records and attempt to verify an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted. The rating for asthma was denied prior to November 26, 2012 and granted from that date onwards. Other claims are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to conflicting diagnoses and issues that are inextricably intertwined.