Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected right shoulder condition, finding that the evidence did not support such an increase.

The Veteran's appeals of the ratings assigned for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities have been dismissed due to their withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's disability manifested by pain in the upper back and shoulders is not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a direct connection to his military service. His lumbosacral sprain remains rated at 20%.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder and a headache disorder, including as secondary to a service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, are not supported by the evidence. The case is being remanded for further clarification of the medical evidence regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD, hypertension, and left shoulder condition are being remanded for further evaluation due to recent testimony indicating worsening symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder condition and shaving bumps, finding clear and unmistakable evidence that the conditions existed prior to service and were not aggravated during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder and lumbar spine disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following gainful employment consistent with his educational and occupational experience.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for tinea pedis, a rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder strain, and hearing loss were dismissed. The appeal for a higher rating for tension headaches was granted to a non-compensable level.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his service-connected left shoulder condition has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.,The Veteran is unable to find and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of his right shoulder and left knee disabilities have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his claims prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder condition, lower back condition, and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not show that these conditions were related to the Veteran's military service.,There is no presumption of service connection due to exposure to hazardous noise or other presumptive conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and/or secure substantially gainful employment, as his education and work history suggest he can perform sedentary or light work.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various disabilities, including left shoulder, right shoulder, lumbar spine, cervical spine, right knee, and right foot disabilities. Diabetes mellitus is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment for the periods of October 17, 2012 to May 7, 2013; August 1, 2013 to October 22, 2013; and February 1, 2014 to April 27, 2015. As a result, TDIU was granted for these periods.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be related to his service-connected cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and right ankle osteoarthritis is found to be related to playing soccer in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including shoulder, spine, and knee conditions. The Veteran is to be provided with VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was granted a 40% rating from August 28, 2018.,A 40% rating for the lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with IVDS is granted from September 2018.

The Veteran's back disability claim is remanded for additional development. The cause of death claim is also remanded to obtain an autopsy report and a medical opinion on the cause of death.