Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's request to reopen the claim for right great toe fracture and left shoulder condition was granted. A 20% rating is assigned for status post right ankle fracture with open reduction internal fixation and sprain associated with IVDS and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's disability ratings for his left shoulder, left knee, and right knee conditions were reduced or increased. The reduction of the left shoulder rating from 20% to 10% was not proper due to lack of sustained improvement in function under ordinary conditions of life and work. The case is remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess his current disability levels and etiology.

The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable prior to June 9, 2017 and at 20 percent from that date. The claim for increased rating remains denied.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability has not been service connected. The claim for reopening the previously denied service connection claim remains denied.,The Veteran's low back disability is rated as 20 percent disabling, but further development is needed to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for bilateral foot condition, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II (DM), left shoulder pain, major depressive disorder (MDD), and lower back pain. The Board found that new evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his active duty service.

Service connection is granted for shin splints, right shoulder disability, and bilateral ankle disabilities.,Service connection is granted for esophageal diverticulum, dumping syndrome, pancreatitis, anemia, syncope, heart condition, hypertension, back condition, asthma, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.,Service connection is granted for headaches.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded his case for a new evaluation of his right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability has been rated at 30 percent, and his left shoulder disability at 20 percent. The Board denied increased ratings for both shoulders.,The Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and appropriate ratings for his left and right shoulder disabilities were denied, as the correct facts at the time of the May 2013 rating decision supported the assignment of 10% ratings based on painful motion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; hypertension; and skin cancer (melanoma) are remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his Reserve service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings for his shoulder and knee conditions, or service connection for his hip and spine disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle achilles tendon rupture, thyroid disorder, right lower extremity hip replacement, sleep apnea, and left shoulder surgery bone spur. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for DJD of the right shoulder, DJD of the left shoulder, and arthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spine. The conditions are related to service.

The Board denied service connection for adhesive capsulitis of the left shoulder and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine with left upper extremity radiculopathy, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's in-service injury or his service-connected brachial plexus neuropathy. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's initial and increased evaluations for right knee and shoulder scars have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability, but granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and meniscus tear.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to February 28, 2011 are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need to obtain Social Security Administration records.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for reentrance into the VA vocational rehabilitation and employment program, finding that his service-connected disabilities have not worsened to the extent that he is precluded from performing work duties or that the occupation previously found rehabilitated is unsuitable.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection of left arm numbness was granted. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for left shoulder strain, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and effective date for cervical spine disorder.