Shoulder decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for residuals of a left eye corneal abrasion, a disease manifested by elevated bilirubin to include Gilbert's syndrome, and bilateral shoulder disability are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The claims will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD and right shoulder condition were both denied as the severity, frequency, and duration of their symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not show it has limited his range of motion in flexion or abduction to less than midway between the side and shoulder level. Therefore, a higher rating is denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection on appeal must be remanded due to a lack of VA examinations and development. The claims include bilateral hearing loss, bilateral foot disorder, left shoulder disorder, hypertension, acquired psychiatric disorder (initially claimed as anxiety and/or depression), left eye disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and cervical spine disorder.

The Veteran's tinnitus, fibromyalgia, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right shoulder strain with pain, left shoulder strain with pain, right knee strain with pain, and right hip strain with pain have been granted service connection. The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and alcohol use disorder has also been granted an increased rating to 100 percent from March 7, 2015 to September 23, 2019.

All issues related to knee arthritis and diabetes mellitus are remanded for further development. The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes. Service connection for diabetic nephropathy is granted with an effective date of December 6, 2016.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's right shoulder injury to muscle group I is now rated at a separate 10 percent effective February 27, 2020.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right shoulder, right ankle, left ankle, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence in some cases and failure to consider the Veteran's lay statements.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for a right shoulder disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support direct service connection for either condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The right shoulder trauma claim is granted, while other psychiatric, back, knee, and neck disorders remain pending.

The Veteran's left little finger disability is rated at 0 percent, as there are no limitations of motion or other functional impairments that warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's right shoulder DJD is currently rated at 20 percent. The appeal for an increased rating has been denied.,Prior to December 2, 2019, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent and from December 2, 2019, it was rated at 20 percent. Both ratings have been denied.,The Veteran's bilateral Achilles tendonitis is currently rated at 10 percent each, throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case as a result.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities based on evidence showing these conditions are related to the Veteran's period of active duty.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral shoulder disabilities due to inadequate addendum opinions from a VA examiner. The claims are now back before the Board.

The Board has denied service connection for a right shoulder condition and a right knee condition, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and active military service.

The Veteran's sinus headaches are being remanded for further evaluation. The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for allergic rhinitis, status post septoplasty, and denied higher ratings. TDIU is granted beginning April 6, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a 50 percent evaluation, while the right shoulder disorder remains at 30 percent. The case is remanded for further examination of the right shoulder.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for right shoulder impingement syndrome and lumbosacral sprain were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran has withdrawn his claims for urinary tract disorder, left foot injury, and right foot injury. The remaining issues of service connection for shoulder disorders, knee disorder, plantar fasciitis, and gastrointestinal disorder are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.