Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service connection claims for back disability and right shoulder disability have been denied.,However, the Veteran has been granted service connection for left ear hearing loss disability and tinnitus.

The Board has found that additional development is needed due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as inadequate examinations for the claims of service connection for bilateral knees, right shoulder impingement, lumbar spine strain, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his reported in-service injuries and current symptoms. The claims will be remanded to allow for these evaluations.

The Board has granted service connection for pharyngitis of the throat, right knee disability, and right shoulder disability. The Veteran's conditions are deemed to have been incurred in or related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, and low back disorder due to incomplete verification of his military service records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder rotator cuff tear and cervical spine degenerative disc disease were denied as the evidence did not show that he met the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left shoulder disability, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating than 20 percent at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee gout, left shoulder DJD, and lumbar spine DJD were denied as the evidence did not meet the schedular criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for type II diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, hypertension (presumptive due to herbicide exposure), bilateral knee strain, acquired psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction, and lumbar strain are all denied. The Veteran's claim for residuals of a left shoulder injury is remanded.,Service connection for the Veteran’s acquired psychiatric disorder is also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hip, left shoulder, right shoulder and right upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities due to additional development being required.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder disability. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his current condition is related to his service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus and right shoulder condition due to insufficient evidence in the record. The decision on service connection is pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including his shoulder disorders, foot disorder, GERD, and respiratory disorder. The claims are being remanded for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that there is no current disability related to service.

An initial 50 percent rating, but no higher, for adjustment disorder with anxiety is granted. Other claims are denied or remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability is granted.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,Service connection for low back disability and cervical spine disorder are both denied.,Service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, intestinal issue, right hand disability, and left hand disability are all denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for obstructive sleep apnea and fibromyalgia, as well as the TDIU claim. The Veteran's OSA is being examined again to determine if it is related to service or secondary to his service-connected rhinitis and sinusitis. His fibromyalgia claim remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinea pedis/tinea versicolor, TMJ, and right shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has remanded several claims for service connection due to the lack of a separation examination report. The Veteran's active service from May 1989 to May 1993 is noted, and he elected to have a separation medical examination prior to his discharge.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and bilateral hearing loss disability were reopened. The appeal regarding the initial evaluation of PTSD from January 21, 2011 to July 18, 2013 is remanded due to insufficient evidence showing occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.