Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for actinic keratosis and skin growth, left shoulder disability, and right ankle disability have been denied. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of service connection for a right shoulder condition was denied. The claim of entitlement to a rating in excess of 60 percent for duodenal ulcer with dyspepsia and GERD is denied. The claims for left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis (claimed as bursitis), TDIU, and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound status are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, bilateral knee, and right shoulder disabilities due to inadequate examination reports. The VA is required to provide a new examination that addresses whether these conditions are related to service or secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his TDIU claim. The Board finds that the left shoulder disability does not meet the schedular requirements for a higher rating, but refers the case to VA’s Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU rating effective prior to February 27, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's left shoulder labral tear was rated at 10% prior to August 14, 2017 and at 20% from that date forward. The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was initially rated at 10% prior to August 14, 2017 and then denied for increased rating.,The Veteran's left shoulder labral tear is currently rated at 20%. His degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine remains rated at 10%.

The Veteran's TDIU was based on multiple disabilities, including musculoskeletal and PTSD. The Board found that this did not meet the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) because it did not involve a single disability rated as total.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service treatment records are incomplete and has ordered a remand to obtain additional VA medical records. The Board also ordered VA examinations to determine if the Veteran has each of his claimed disabilities, including whether any preexisting conditions were aggravated by service.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The right shoulder and back conditions are denied due to lack of evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability, to include as secondary to his service-connected right shoulder degenerative arthritis, is being remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, and his left wrist disability remains at a non-compensable rating. Service connection for depression and headaches are granted, while the claims for right wrist arthritis, left knee arthritis, and tinnitus remain denied due to lack of new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right shoulder degenerative arthritis with labral tear, finding that it is due to his in-service injury. The condition meets the criteria for service connection as a direct result of service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a right shoulder disorder, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left foot disability and secondary service connection for right shoulder disability due to lack of response from the Veteran.

The Veteran's right shoulder impingement syndrome and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine have been rated based on their current severity.,The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including for his right shoulder impingement syndrome, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and depression.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and an increased rating for right shoulder peritendinitis, finding that he failed to report for VA examinations and did not provide a valid reason for missing them.

The Veteran's request to reopen his service connection claim for PTSD has been dismissed. The issues of reopening claims for residuals of a back injury, neck injury, head injury, degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, capsulitis of the right shoulder, vertigo, and multiple sclerosis have been remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including arthritis and dislocation of the AC joint, is rated at 30 percent effective June 21, 2010. The rating remains denied prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and higher ratings for various disabilities due to incomplete records, including missing STRs and SPRs. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records and attempt to verify the Veteran’s claimed stressors.,VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right and left foot calluses.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder and cervical spine injuries, finding that there is no current diagnosis related to these conditions.