Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability likely began during service and is not aggravated by any pre-existing condition, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. Therefore, service connection for this disability is granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded due to pending claims that will be appealed. The adjudication of the SMC claim is deferred until further development on the pending claims has been undertaken, including a VA examination for housebound status or permanent need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The conditions of chronic kidney disease, left upper extremity neurological disorder (peripheral neuropathy), left elbow disability (traumatic arthritis), and left arm disability (shoulder osteoarthritis) are now granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a right shoulder disability and bilateral wrist disability have been dismissed due to the death of the claimant.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and left shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, shoulder disorder, back strain, rhinitis, and GERD. The AOJ is instructed to obtain STRs from reserve and National Guard service periods, private medical records, and VA treatment records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions and remanded them for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, and hair loss. The Veteran's vision problems, tension headaches, shoulder conditions, knee conditions, ankle conditions, and back condition are being remanded for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, including acromioclavicular joint arthropathy, subdeltoid bursitis and labral tear, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are etiologically related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left shoulder disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).,Service connection is not granted for these conditions as there is no evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for muscle ligamentous strain of the right shoulder is dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's back condition is granted service connection, but his sinus disability and right shoulder and neck disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability, right shoulder disability, and sleep disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.,New evidence has been submitted that may support these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right shoulder disabilities, as well as a left hip disability, have been reopened. The cases are being remanded to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee and left shoulder disorders due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim is not reopened.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the right shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent. Both disabilities are granted.,The Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to missing service treatment records and the need to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiologies of his disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for degenerative joint disease of the right ring finger (major) was withdrawn. The Board remanded cases involving increased ratings, service connection, and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete VA treatment records. The issues of service connection for bilateral shoulder disability, right foot fracture residuals, and left mid foot stress fractures are being reviewed.