Shoulder decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for left middle finger and right little finger disabilities, as well as a compensable initial rating for esophageal reflux. The Veteran's current symptoms do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.,For the knee strain with degenerative arthritis, the Board denied staged initial ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to November 13, 2019 and in excess of 10 percent from that date.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his right shoulder nerve, ligament, tendon and soft tissue damage, as well as the ruptured right biceps muscle are being remanded due to the need for additional clarification and evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability warrants a 30 percent rating from October 3, 2005 to September 25, 2009. The appeal for increased ratings is denied.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 40 percent, and no higher rating is warranted due to lack of additional functional loss or ankylosis.,The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the highest schedular rating available. No higher rating is granted as his symptoms do not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for a respiratory disability due to asbestos exposure is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected Hashimoto's thyroiditis is granted a 60 percent rating, effective September 7, 2011. She also receives TDIU benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for vision loss, right shoulder condition, and left shoulder condition due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, and back disabilities. The Veteran's current conditions are not considered to have been incurred during active duty or related to any in-service injury.,Service connection was also denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD). The evidence did not establish a link between the claimed stressor and current symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disability and denied an increased rating for left shoulder disability. The Veteran's current cervical spine disability is found to be related to his military service, while the left shoulder disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee disability is denied, and the claims for right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities are both denied.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder condition, bilateral elbow conditions, and a left knee condition. The Veteran's claims were based on his contention that these conditions were caused by active service.,There is no direct evidence linking the Veteran’s current disabilities to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder disability, including whether it is related to service or secondary to her service-connected right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome with ganglion cyst and arthritis.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to insufficient medical evidence regarding service connection for right wrist and left shoulder disorders. The Veteran's statements about symptoms during service are considered, but a VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for a left shoulder disorder, diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity disorder (neuropathy), hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. The remand requests additional opinions on whether these conditions are secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the addition of VA treatment records that have not been previously considered by the AOJ. The issue will be readjudicated based on all available evidence.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 40 percent effective November 4, 2012. The Veteran's PTSD remains at a 70 percent rating. The Veteran's ED does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's left shoulder condition, and thus remands the case for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for left rotator cuff tear with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis with residual scars status post surgery from July 7, 2010.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder and a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for these conditions due to lack of evidence of current disability or causation in service.