Shoulder decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation for his service-connected left shoulder condition requiring convalescence, finding that the evidence did not meet the requirements under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been found to meet the criteria for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance, as he requires regular assistance due to his cognitive impairments and physical limitations. The Board has also determined that SMC T is not warranted given the Veteran's condition does not require higher level care.

The RO increased the ratings for several conditions and granted service connection, but denied the request to apply the bilateral factor. The Veteran's combined rating is now 90 percent.

The Board has determined that there is sufficient evidence to warrant a remand for the issues of service connection for left shoulder disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and psychiatric disorder (including PTSD). The Veteran's hearing testimony indicates he injured his shoulders and hips during service. He also experienced depression stemming from these injuries.

The Veteran's appeal of her increased disability rating claim for tendinopathy of the right shoulder was denied because she did not file a timely substantive appeal following the issuance of an April 2016 Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's bilateral hallux valgus is not severe enough to warrant a compensable rating.,The Veteran's left shoulder strain does not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating.,The Veteran's reactive airway disease (RAD) does not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.,The Veteran's eczema, groin cyst, and tinea cruris do not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran failed to attend his scheduled VA examinations and has provided good cause for missing them. As such, new VA examinations are necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which was granted for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for various service-connected disabilities due to incomplete medical records and the need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis of the shoulders and acne rosacea were denied as they are not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been granted. The Board found that the evidence is at least in equipoise and resolved all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, finding a current diagnosis related to an in-service stressor. Other service connection claims are remanded.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and compensable rating are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records. The case is being remanded to allow for this.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability may be related to her service-connected TMJ disorder, but needs further examination and opinion from a clinician regarding whether it is caused by in-service training or aggravated by TMJ.

The Veteran's claims for left shoulder arthritis, right shoulder arthritis, and status-post left inguinal hernia repair were previously denied. New and material evidence has not been presented to reopen these claims.

Service connection for headaches is granted. The Veteran's headaches are linked to her service-connected PTSD and/or TBI.,Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a left shoulder condition, surgical scars, nerve damage, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, left shoulder, and lumbar spine disorders due to inadequate medical opinions and need for further evidence.

The Veteran withdrew all his claims, including those for left shoulder arthropathy/impingement, folliculitis, and a left hip disability. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal of the claims.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for various issues due to the lack of an adequate substantive appeal.