Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating of 20 percent for his service-connected left shoulder scar, finding that the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 20 percent due to the scar being painful and unstable but not covering an area of at least 39 square centimeters.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to inadequate nexus opinions.,Specifically, new medical opinions are needed on direct and secondary theories of entitlement.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left (minor) shoulder dislocation residuals is remanded due to the lack of clarity in the examination report regarding functional loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent and 40 percent for his left shoulder disabilities, muscle groups IV and I-III respectively. The Veteran also had a noncompensable rating for his left shoulder scars. The highest schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 5201 was assigned for the muscle group I-III disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right shoulder strain, right knee strain limitation of extension, right knee instability, and right knee meniscal condition have been granted. The Veteran is now receiving the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5201 (right shoulder) and Diagnostic Codes 5260/5261 (right knee).

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals on service connection claims for migraine headaches, bilateral upper extremity cold weather injury, bilateral lower extremity cold weather injury, bilateral CTS, bilateral shoulder injury, and hypertension due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these issues prior to the promulgation of decisions.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as the withholding of VA disability compensation benefits in the amount of $1,649.89 for 115 training days for FY 2016 was proper.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder with nerve damage disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his in-service injuries or conditions.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder, a lumbar spine disability, and a left shoulder disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any other compensable cause.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inconsistencies in the record regarding his left shoulder disability, specifically concerning flare-ups. A new examination is needed to assess functional impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his diabetes and kidney issues, required regular aid and attendance. The Board granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various joint and spine disabilities due to the need for additional in-patient treatment records from an Air Force hospital in Thailand. The AOJ must provide a formal finding of unavailability for these records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should be afforded VA examinations to assess his service-connected bilateral knee disability and a medical examination for his bilateral shoulder condition. The matter is being remanded due to the Veteran's inability to attend scheduled examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU has been dismissed as the matter was specifically withdrawn by his attorney. The issues of TDIU have been dismissed for both time periods from July 3, 2008 to present and November 14, 2006 to July 2, 2008.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims for shoulder and back conditions, which are secondary to his service-connected multiple sclerosis. The VA examiners' opinions were inadequate, and an addendum opinion is needed.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder osteoarthritis, but denied service connection for right shoulder osteoarthritis. The decision is based on the lack of evidence showing that the right shoulder condition first manifested in service or within a year after separation from service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not fully developed and requires additional evidence to make a determination. The issues include residuals of a concussion, left shoulder condition, bilateral foot condition, skin condition of the bilateral feet, and low back condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for post-operative left shoulder dislocation and post-operative left shoulder dislocation (humerus), but denied his requests for earlier effective dates. The effective date for both conditions is set at December 22, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right shoulder disabilities due to inadequate VA examination. The Veteran is deemed a combat Veteran, but his lay statements and testimony regarding in-service injury are not considered by the examiner.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right-shoulder disorder, but remanded issues regarding reopening of claims for lumbar-spine disorder and bilateral hearing loss.