Shoulder decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claims for initial compensable ratings for cervical spine degenerative arthritis, tension headaches, bilateral shoulder and bilateral knee scars due to procedural issues with representation.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for further development due to the Veteran's failure to appear for VA examinations. The claims include a rating in excess of 10 percent for left middle finger fracture, service connection for right leg radiculopathy, bilateral fallen arches, post circumcision residuals, left foot pain, right shoulder condition, and left pinky condition.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an additional medical opinion regarding its relationship to his service-connected left arm disability. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's right and left shoulder bursitis have been granted a disability rating of 20 percent each, effective from the date of the respective surgeries.,Temporary total disability ratings based on convalescence following right and left shoulder surgeries were also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left shoulder tendonitis, as well as cervical spine sprain. The claims are being returned to the RO for further development including scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for left hand, arm, and shoulder disorders due to additional development being needed. This includes verifying periods of active duty, obtaining VA and private medical records, and providing a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need of regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him helpless enough to require regular aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, bilateral hip, right achilles tendon, and right shoulder disabilities due to inadequate VA examination reports and failure to consider secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU due to incomplete information and need for additional examinations. The right shoulder disability claim is related to Gulf War exposure, while the back and ankle disabilities are being examined further.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability and a back disability, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his bilateral knee service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his cervical spine service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his bilateral shoulder service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his hiatal hernia/acid reflux service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his GERD service, and thus denied these claims.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent prior to October 29, 2019. After that date, the rating remains at 30 percent. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board dismissed all the issues related to service connection and rating for various conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder, low back condition, upper respiratory infection, bilateral upper extremity paresthesia, bilateral lower extremity paresthesia, fungal infection of the second digit of the right foot, toe-nail infection, left-sided chest pain, pharyngitis, headaches, and other conditions. The decision also dismissed all issues related to nonservice-connected pension and total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left elbow, back, and shoulder disabilities. The issues of higher ratings for these conditions are being returned to the RO.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU from April 1, 2010 to April 26, 2016 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder condition. The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder strain is claimed as a potential cause or aggravation for her current right shoulder condition.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities was denied as the evidence did not show he is unemployable as a result of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since May 29, 2018. The Board has remanded the issues of rating for right shoulder disability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

For the entire period on appeal, an initial evaluation of 50 percent for a headache disorder is granted.,Prior to May 14, 2016, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for a left shoulder disability is denied. From May 14, 2016, an evaluation of 20 percent, but no higher, for the same condition is granted.,For the entire period on appeal, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for a thoracolumbar spine disability is denied. Prior to July 24, 2019, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity associated with the Veteran’s service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability is granted.,For the period on appeal prior to July 24, 2019, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for a left knee disability is denied. From July 24, 2019, an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for the same condition is remanded.