Shoulder decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis and tinnitus, finding that the evidence supports a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has granted service connection for headaches. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for his left and right shoulder disabilities have been denied as the current ratings are considered to be the highest possible under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition and left arm (shoulder) condition due to new evidence received since the last denial. The claims are now remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing an examination.

The Veteran's claim for a respiratory disorder due to asbestos exposure is denied as there is no evidence of current respiratory disability.,Service connection is granted for left ear hearing loss, with the condition being presumed under the provisions of the PACT Act (Patient Care and Treatment Act).,The Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and major depressive disorder) are remanded as they may be related to service. The claim for alcohol dependence secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.,Service connection is remanded for rheumatoid arthritis, with the issue being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions regarding its onset during active duty or post-service.,The Veteran's right shoulder disorder claim is remanded as it may be related to service.

The Veteran's right knee instability is granted with a 10% rating, and service connection for the other conditions (right shoulder rotator cuff tear, left foot plantar fasciitis, and right foot plantar fasciitis) is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates prior to August 4, 2015 for the grant of service connection for left ear hearing loss and bursitis and degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder were denied.,The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss were also denied.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left hip disability, right knee disability, and right shoulder disorder. The remand includes obtaining service personnel records, additional medical opinions, and a VA examination to assess the Veteran's current condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current chronic headaches had its onset during active duty service and remanded for further development regarding his left shoulder disability and skin disorder claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hand condition, left shoulder proximal acute fracture, and a left knee condition as secondary to his service-connected right knee meniscectomy with degenerative arthritis. The decision is based on the lack of current diagnoses for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient examination reports and duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a lack of VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed disabilities. The appellant is not currently diagnosed with specific disabilities, but he reports current symptoms that may be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for cervical-spine disorder, bilateral-hand disorder, bilateral-shoulder disorder, lumbar-spine disorder, bilateral-leg disorder, CAD, shortness of breath, hypertension, and bilateral-foot disorder have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, these claims are still denied as there is no direct or secondary service connection established.,The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, has also been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, this claim is still denied as there is no direct service connection established.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of diabetic nephropathy due to inadequate opinions regarding herbicide agent exposure. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations conducted do not comply with the requirements set forth in the October 2018 remand. The matter is therefore being REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's left rotator cuff shoulder disability is related to his service-connected low back disability, and the claim for erectile dysfunction is granted as it is associated with his service-connected low back disability. The claims for PTSD and PFB are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right shoulder tendonitis, left knee degenerative joint disease, and limitation of extension of the left knee due to outstanding VA treatment records and need for more current findings.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder condition and left shoulder condition, finding that the Veteran's current shoulder issues are more likely due to natural aging of his joints. The Board granted an increased rating of 30 percent for GERD.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder and lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disability, deviated nasal septum, and restless leg syndrome. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.