Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's initial rating for left foot fracture was granted at a 10% level. The Board found the Veteran's left shoulder disorder and eczema issues were remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for osteochondroma proximal humerus (also claimed as left shoulder condition) because no new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the previously denied claims.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability was improperly reduced from 30 percent to 20 percent, and the rating is restored. The case is remanded for a determination of whether a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with polysubstance abuse in remission and left shoulder disability have been granted ratings, with the bipolar disorder receiving a 70% rating since February 10, 2015.

The Veteran's chronic tension headaches, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), neck pain, joint pain, and disabilities of the hands and fingers are all found to be related to his active duty service. The claims for GERD secondary to IBS, as well as the claims for neck pain, joint pain, and hand/finger disabilities, require further examination and opinion.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder bone spurs, right hip replacement, and an increased disability rating for left arm sebaceous cyst as he requested to withdraw his appeals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, right knee, left shoulder, and right shoulder disabilities due to outstanding medical records and worker’s compensation records.

The Board has remanded the cases of tinnitus, right shoulder disability, neck disability, back disability, and right knee disability for further development as no VA examiner has provided an opinion on their relationship to service.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for right shoulder glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, status post shoulder arthroplasty, finding that the current 30 percent rating adequately compensates the Veteran's symptoms.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was granted service connection. The right wrist condition, right shoulder condition, and chest condition were denied as not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for a left knee disability is granted. Service connection for the other conditions (left shoulder, tinnitus, and pilonidal cyst) is denied.

The appeal for service connection for a left shoulder disorder, arthritis of the cervical spine, and bursitis of the left heel has been dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, effective prior to July 5, 2011. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from July 29, 2016. The left great toe injury with degenerative joint disease is rated at 20 percent for the periods prior to July 5, 2011 and September 1, 2011 to September 17, 2014; and 20 percent from December 1, 2014 to September 24, 2015.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent, effective from December 4, 2015. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from July 29, 2016. The left great toe injury with degenerative joint disease remains rated at 20 percent for the periods prior to July 5, 2011 and September 1, 2011 to September 17, 2014; and 20 percent from December 1, 2014 to September 24, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck pain and left shoulder condition due to a lack of medical evidence addressing the relationship between his current disabilities and service. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine if his conditions are related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic left and right shoulder pain have been denied as new and material evidence was not received. The claim for separate ratings for LLE radiculopathy with involvement of various nerves is also denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were dismissed. The Board also remanded the claims for service connection for left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, neck disorder, and low back disorder due to lack of evidence on aggravation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and sleep apnea have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for sleep apnea, but the claim for a left shoulder disability remains pending due to the need for additional examination and analysis. The right ankle disability claim is also pending as it requires further evaluation regarding its relationship to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cases of left shoulder injury and PTSD are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and physical impairments, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU benefits.