Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of coccidiomycosis has been denied.,Service connection for joint pain and stiffness (other than knees, left shoulder, neck, and back) has not been established.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability and limitation of motion of the left arm have been rated based on their severity. The appeal is mixed, with some issues granted (increased ratings) and others remanded (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for joint pain, back disorder, anxiety disorder, eating disorder, left shoulder arthritis, right shoulder arthritis, left knee osteoarthritis, and right knee osteoarthritis have all been denied. The claim for allergic rhinosinusitis was previously denied but is being reviewed de novo.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee, right shoulder, pes planus, and vision problems due to a lack of authorization from the Veteran for his private medical records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a left shoulder condition has been dismissed as she requested the withdrawal of her appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that there was no nexus between her current left shoulder biceps tendonitis and her military service.

The Board denied the petition to reopen a claim of service connection for a right shoulder disability as new and material evidence was not received, and the Veteran's lay statements were previously considered.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and consideration of whether new and material evidence was received to reopen a service connection claim for cardiovascular disease, as well as issues related to joint pain, chronic fatigue, and memory problems. The Veteran's previous medical training and acquired expertise are also noted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.,The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the right upper extremity has also been denied due to lack of effective function remaining other than what would be equally well served by an amputation with prosthesis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for his left shoulder strain, right ankle disability, and right ankle scar. Additionally, the Board has also remanded a claim for a single 10 percent rating based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and denied service connection for neck, left knee, right knee, left shoulder, right shoulder, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and left shoulder disability due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was rated at 20% prior to September 11, 2018. From that date, the VA Board granted a 40% rating effective September 11, 2018.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 11, 2014 for the grant of a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's left shoulder disability. The claimant is seeking a higher rating for his left shoulder disability, which was previously rated at 10 percent and later increased to 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for a right foot condition due to outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his right ring finger condition is denied as the current noncompensable rating adequately reflects the functional limitations and pain associated with this disability. The claims for increased ratings are remanded due to new evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including left foot, knee, shoulder, cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and lumbar radiculopathy of the lower extremities. The decision is based on a lack of evidence demonstrating chronic disability or etiology related to service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent since December 3, 2007. The Board denied a higher rating for the cervical spine strain and GERD.,The Veteran’s TDIU claim was remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for tendonitis of the left shoulder and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine have been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records review.