Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, low back, and left knee degenerative joint disease were denied as new evidence did not show a relationship to service.,The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was remanded due to the need for further examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as he is capable of performing the physical and mental acts required by, at least, employment that has less interaction with people.

The Veteran's right shoulder and hip surgeries are not considered to have caused additional disability, as the proximate cause was deemed to be lack of proper skill in sewing up the surgical openings. The skin condition of his back is not related to service.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for his service-connected right shoulder condition is remanded. The Board finds that a new examination is warranted and requests the Veteran to provide releases for relevant records of any private treatment.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were related to in-service injuries.,Service connection was also denied for benign prostatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms with obstruction. There was no evidence of onset during service or relationship to in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and for further development, including obtaining National Guard service records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various disabilities and an increased rating for knee osteoarthritis. The specific issues include bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, thoracic spine disability, right elbow disability, left elbow disability, right shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, and headaches.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, consideration of new evidence, and clarification of etiology.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder, bilateral upper extremities (left hand and forearm numbness), finding no evidence of such conditions during or immediately after service. The Veteran's symptoms were attributed to diagnosed conditions like cervical radiculopathy and ulnar mononeuropathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability, including residuals of a right labral tear, is at least as likely as not related to an injury during INACDUTRA (inactive duty for training), specifically on January 6, 2008. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has identified multiple issues on appeal related to service connection for various disabilities. The AOJ must review the claims in light of all received evidence and provide a Supplemental Statement of the Case if necessary.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are being remanded as there are outstanding treatment records that have not yet been associated with the claims file.,Further examination and opinion may be needed to determine if any of the claimed disabilities are related to military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD is currently rated at 40 percent, effective April 6, 2011. The issue of an increased rating in excess of 40 percent prior to that date remains pending.,The Veteran's right shoulder arthritis is currently rated at 40 percent, effective April 6, 2011. The issue of a higher rating prior to that date remains pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back, right shoulder, and left shoulder disabilities due to potential new evidence indicating that a leg length discrepancy from the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability could cause another joint issue.

The Board has denied service connection for a shoulder muscle condition and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, low back disability (including spinal defect), throat cancer, and bladder cancer are being remanded for further development.,Service connection is not granted for any of the conditions listed above due to lack of current diagnoses.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder condition and PTSD, but granted the claim for an acquired psychological disorder (to include PTSD and major depressive disorder). The decision also noted that the Veteran is not entitled to benefits for his dishonorable period of service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for left bicep tendon rupture, medical anterior left upper arm scar, and adjustment disorder have been withdrawn.,Service connection has not been granted for the Veteran's claimed left shoulder disability, low back disability, or left hip disability.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back disability, left knee disability, and left shoulder disability due to insufficient opinions from VA examiners regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all remaining issues on appeal, including service connection claims and rating decisions.

The Veteran's right shoulder disorder is not service-connected, but he meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.