Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right knee arthritis was not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, and continuity of symptomatology is not established. The Veteran’s current diagnosis of degenerative arthritis of the right knee is not at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing has been manifested by hearing acuity of no worse than Level I in each ear. A compensable evaluation for a bilateral hearing loss disability is denied.,Service connection for left shoulder strain and degenerative joint disease are remanded due to inadequate rationale regarding whether the disabilities had their onset in service or are otherwise related to service.,Service connection for right shoulder strain and degenerative joint disease are remanded due to inadequate rationale regarding whether the disabilities had their onset in service or are otherwise related to service. The examiner's opinion is based on an inaccurate factual premise, as a September 1991 medical record diagnosed the Veteran with a chronic subscapular musculoskeletal strain.,Service connection for upper back strain and degenerative joint disease are remanded due to inadequate rationale regarding whether the disabilities had their onset in service or are otherwise related to service. The examiner's opinion is based on an inaccurate factual premise, as a September 1991 medical record diagnosed the Veteran with a chronic subscapular musculoskeletal strain.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for migraines was granted effective February 2, 2017. The claim for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) eligibility was also granted effective November 28, 2018.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various foot, knee, and lumbar spine disabilities. The evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and his active military service.

The Board has denied service connection for right knee and shoulder disabilities, as well as a skin disability and PTSD. The case is remanded to obtain additional evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right shoulder skin burn was granted with an effective date of December 8, 2017. The Board found the Veteran had good cause to extend the time limit to submit his claim due to VA procedures changes.

The Board has remanded the claims for right shoulder strain and left elbow strain due to inadequate VA examination reports. The Veteran will need to undergo new VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TBI residuals do not meet the criteria for service connection due to insufficient evidence of significant cranial or neurological pathology consistent with a TBI.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,Additional evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam. The claim for erectile dysfunction will also be remanded for a VA examination to determine its relationship to prostate cancer.,The claims for prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding exposure to herbicide agents and the etiology of the erectile dysfunction.,A sleep study is needed, along with an addendum opinion from a clinician to address whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service. The examiner should also determine if the Veteran’s conditions are manifestations of a single condition or separate disorders.,The right shoulder claim will be remanded for an addendum opinion regarding its relationship to complaints of arm numbness and pain in service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is causally related to an in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is not related to an in-service injury and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left shoulder condition is related to his military service. The VA needs to obtain more records and provide a new examination.

The Board has granted service connection for various knee, shoulder, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disorders. The Veteran's depressive disorder is also found to be related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the lack of an adequate substantive appeal for each issue.

The Board has denied a higher rating for the Veteran's right shoulder strain and has remanded issues regarding his right hand arthritis and residuals of TBI.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including right shoulder dislocation, sinusitis, headaches, and lumbar strain.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU for his left shoulder disability on a schedular basis effective July 2, 2019. He also received a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to that date, excluding the period of temporary total rating for the left shoulder labral tear from May 6, 2010 to July 31, 2010.

The Veteran's right shoulder arthritis is rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,Service connection for a left shoulder condition has been denied.

The Veteran withdrew his request for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate or speculative opinions in his VA examination reports. The Veteran is seeking service connection for neck, back, right shoulder, right knee, stomach, and hypertension disorders.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the need for updated VA examinations and notification regarding TDIU.