Shoulder decisions — 2019

The claim for service connection has been reopened, but the issues of left knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, left foot disorder, and right foot disorder are remanded due to lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected insomnia associated with left shoulder strain status post debridement with arthritis has been rated at 30 percent since October 27, 2015. The Board has remanded the issue for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Reiter’s syndrome.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a neck condition is granted. The Board has also determined that the Veteran needs regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, which requires SMC based on need for aid and attendance. However, the claims for service connection of cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable or unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation beginning February 4, 2015. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted effective from that date.

The Board has remanded the claims of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for right shoulder injury and service connection for low back condition, to include compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for low back injury due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board found the reduction in disability rating for left shoulder rotator cuff, left biceps tendon tear was improper and restored the previous 30 percent rating. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on his lumbar spine DDD, major depressive disorder, hypertension, diabetes, right shoulder rotator cuff tear, and left shoulder rotator cuff tear are remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition (including post-traumatic stress disorder) is found to be related to in-service stressors.,There is no current diagnosis of vertigo, so the claim must be denied.,The right shoulder disability and hepatitis C are not service-connected due to lack of evidence indicating a connection to service.,Headaches are not service-connected as there is no indication that they were aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that new examinations are necessary to properly assess the Veteran's right shoulder and back disabilities, as the current examinations did not comply with the requirements set forth in Sharp v. Shulkin.

The claim of entitlement to service connection for a right-hand nerve injury is denied.,The claim of entitlement to service connection for a heart disorder is remanded.,The claims of entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities are remanded.,The claim of entitlement to service connection for fibromyalgia is remanded.,The claims of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disorder and for a right shoulder disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss was denied.,Initial 10 percent ratings were granted for shin splints of the left and right legs, but a higher rating is sought for left shoulder strain.

The Veteran's chronic tension headaches are granted service connection. The other issues on appeal are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 20 percent for left shoulder impingement from May 3, 2013. The claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, left hand disorder, migraine headaches, and pterygium are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder arthritis but has remanded the issue of service connection for low back disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's left shoulder degenerative arthritis and right shoulder disability are not found to be related to service, while his acquired psychiatric disorder is being reviewed further.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is denied a higher rating for tinnitus and hearing loss, but TDIU from April 1, 2011 to April 12, 2012 is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, shoulder disorders, and knee disorders due to secondary service-connected conditions or exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's service records indicate he served in the U.S. Navy from April 1966 until March 1968.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including GERD, left shoulder strain, right knee DJD, left knee DJD, and lumbar spine DJD. The issues include seeking increased ratings for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities, but granted service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and left elbow scar are granted service connection, while his diabetes mellitus is denied. The Veteran's left shoulder disability receives a non-compensable rating.