Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that additional service medical records are needed to support the Veteran's claims for various conditions. The case is being remanded to obtain these records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for effective dates earlier than July 23, 2015 for the grants of service connection for a left shoulder disorder, tinnitus, and right ear hearing loss. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened based on new and material evidence submitted in July 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left and right shoulder disabilities due to insufficient evidence in the record, particularly regarding continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claims of entitlement to service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome, a left shoulder condition, and a right shoulder strain with rotator cuff tear remain not reopened. Service connection is denied for diabetes mellitus, type 2, including as secondary to exposure to herbicide agents, and bilateral neuropathy.

The Board has determined that there may be outstanding service treatment records pertinent to the Veteran's claim for a right shoulder disorder. The AOJ is instructed to make an attempt to obtain these records through all appropriate channels, including contacting the National Personnel Records Center.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, and right shoulder strain were denied. The Veteran was granted a 30 percent rating for right shoulder strain from July 21, 2014 to July 7, 2016, but the claim for an increased rating beyond this period was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral eye condition, blood pressure condition, or headaches related to service. The Veteran's left and right shoulder conditions and hip conditions are also not currently diagnosed.,The Veteran's IDS with bilateral radiculopathy is rated at 60 percent.

The Veteran's left shoulder osteoarthritis and PTSD have been granted service connection.,An initial rating of 50 percent for unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD has been granted.

The Board has determined that a thorough VA Compensation and Pension examination is required for the Veteran's right shoulder orthopedic pathology, including tendinosis, and his nerve damage to the right arm. Additionally, a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's bladder cancer is related to Agent Orange exposure during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims of service connection for various conditions were denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for generalized anxiety disorder was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disorder, migraine, neck disorder, and back disorder are denied. The right shoulder and left ankle disorders have been remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant, who was substituted as the claimant.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right shoulder disability and TDIU due to inadequate examinations, missing records, and issues with duty to assist. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, fungal infections of the feet, left shoulder DJD, and elevated PSA levels have been reopened. However, the Board found insufficient evidence to grant service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal requires remand for several issues, including right ear hearing loss and osteoarthritis of the left knee as secondary to service-connected degenerative joint disease, lumbosacral spine L5-S1. The Veteran is also required to undergo additional examinations for his right shoulder, lumbosacral spine, and dysthymic disorder.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be adjudicated on the merits. The Veteran's service connection and increased evaluation claims are remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.