Shoulder decisions — 2020

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus. The claims for back and shoulder disabilities have been denied as they are not related to service.

The Board has determined that the VA examination did not comply with previous remand directives and another remand is required to ensure compliance.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his left and right shoulder disabilities have been increased to 20 percent, effective May 27, 2009. The case is being remanded again due to non-compliance with the June 2018 Board remand directives.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spondylosis and right shoulder acromioclavicular joint separation status post-surgical repair with osteoarthritis, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to August 22, 2019. The remand requires additional examinations and development of the claims.

The Veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service, and the Board denied all claims.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, and his right hip disability is rated at 10 percent for arthritis with limitation of motion. Both conditions are denied as the ratings do not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.

The Veteran's hypertension and right shoulder impingement syndrome have been rated at the maximum available rating of 20 percent since February 19, 1992. The Board found that his hypertension did not meet criteria for a compensable rating due to lack of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more requiring continuous medication and systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more. His right shoulder impingement syndrome has been rated at 20 percent since February 19, 1992.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since October 25, 2011. The rating for her left shoulder strain has been adjusted to 20 percent effective July 14, 2016. Her combined disability ratings are sufficient to meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU.

The Board has withdrawn the appeal for a compensable rating for service-connected sensorineural hearing loss. The appeals for service connection for DMII, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, CAD, and left shoulder disorder are remanded due to lack of evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his right shoulder disability and for TDIU prior to June 18, 2018 due to incomplete VA examination results. The Veteran is required to provide information about any additional healthcare providers who have treated him related to these issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hypertension had its onset during his active service or is related to an in-service injury.

The Board has found that the VA examination and opinions are inadequate, requiring a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's right shoulder disability is related to service or secondary to his cervical spine condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right shoulder disabilities, as well as left and right knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examination opinions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left shoulder issue and low back pain due to a lack of VA examination.,VA is required to schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination in order to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral shoulder disability to include as due to arthritis and remanded the issue of service connection for right third finger disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability, low back disability, bilateral knee disability, and eye disability (including cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome).,Service connection was also denied for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various shoulder, hip, and knee disabilities as well as a respiratory condition (asthma). The claims are being returned to the RO for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from prior to September 2003. A new VA examination is also required to determine the nature, severity, and etiology of her claimed respiratory condition.

The Board denied service connection for left and right ankle, pes planus, foot, knee, shoulder, and carpal tunnel syndrome disabilities as they are not related to service.,Service connection was also denied for sleep apnea secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's left acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis is granted as secondary to his service-connected GSW to the left shoulder. The rating for residuals of a GSW to the left shoulder remains at 30 percent.