Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability, chronic right hip strain, limitation of extension of the right hip, and limitation of flexion of the right hip due to lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's claim for earlier effective dates for his right hip disabilities is also remanded as there is no clear indication that he had a right hip disability prior to March 7, 2017.

The Veteran's initial rating for his left shoulder disability is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the May 2019 VA examination and the need for a new one.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for left knee, right knee, and right shoulder disabilities due to insufficient rationale in the previous opinions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left shoulder disability needs further examination to determine its current severity.

Service connection is granted for cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities.,Service connection is granted for a respiratory disability (mild restrictive lung disease).,Service connection is denied for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome with arthritis, as there is no current diagnosis or medical nexus to service.,Service connection is denied for chronic headaches, as the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis and there is insufficient evidence of a link to service.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was granted a 30 percent rating, effective February 24, 2014. The condition is characterized by pain and limited motion of the arm to 25 degrees from the side.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder limitation of motion with rotator cuff tendinitis and impingement syndrome, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU). The appeals are being remanded due to the need for additional examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disorder and tinnitus, but denied the remaining issues. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were not.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for residuals of heat injuries, left shoulder disability, heart disability, and migraines due to incomplete development regarding periods of active duty versus ACDUTRA versus INACDUTRA. The Veteran's current migraine headaches are also being evaluated further.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder, back, and neck disabilities due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions. The AOJ is instructed to locate missing in-service accident records and obtain any relevant private treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a left shoulder disability due to insufficient evidence supporting the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension at the aid and attendance or housebound rates was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit due to his functional limitations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and potentially relevant VA treatment records.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, thus the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis is presumed to have existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service.,The Veteran’s left shoulder, forearm sprain, and mandible disabilities are rated under the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for post-operative residuals of left (minor) ACJ separation was granted, with the effective date set at May 5, 2009.,A separate compensable rating for painful surgical scar residual was granted effective September 22, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, left shoulder, bilateral foot, obstructive sleep apnea, sinusitis, and asthma disabilities due to additional evidentiary development being necessary.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including a labral tear and SLAP lesion, has been granted an initial 30 percent rating from November 1, 2013.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability was granted, and he is now entitled to service connection on a secondary basis due to his service-connected right knee disability.