Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected left shoulder labral tear with acromioclavicular bursitis.

The Veteran withdrew both issues on appeal, so the appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's rating for right shoulder impingement syndrome with bursitis (dominant), status post labral tear was reduced from 20 percent to noncompensable, effective June 1, 2014. The Board has restored the prior 20 percent rating due to a failure to comply with applicable law and regulations.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal. No new evidence was presented, nor did he file a claim after June 20, 2018.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder ankylosing spondylitis is rated at 20 percent disabling, and the Board has denied entitlement to higher ratings.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including left ear hearing loss and hypertension. The reasons for remand include obtaining additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.,Several initial rating claims have also been remanded, including those for shoulder, hip, knee, and spine disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as he did not meet the criteria for additional VR&E benefits, other than employment services, to include a master's degree in pursuit of a career as a PA.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, leaving only the issues of an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder biceps tendonitis, impingement syndrome and labral tear and a compensable rating for hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the bilateral hips, knees, feet, and shoulders as well as gout of the toes due to new evidence submitted since previous decisions. The claims are now pending for further examination and medical opinion.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development and review.,The Veteran's sleep apnea claim is being reviewed to determine if it is secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disability (Chronic Adjustment Disorder).,The matter of whether the Veteran's Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (manifesting as memory loss) is secondary to his newly service-connected psychiatric disability will be submitted for review.,The Board has remanded several claims related to sleep apnea and its relationship to the Veteran's service-connected inguinal hernia and surgical scar.,Several skin disorder claims are being reviewed, including whether they are secondary to exposure to herbicide agents or other chemicals.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is being reviewed for secondary service connection based on his service-connected inguinal hernia and/or exposure to herbicide agents.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus claim is also being reviewed for secondary service connection based on his service-connected inguinal hernia and/or exposure to herbicide agents.,Several other claims are being remanded, including those related to sleep apnea, memory loss, skin disorders, heart disorder, sinus disorder, left shoulder disorder, gout, knee disorder, leg disorder, visual disorder, prostate disorder, foot disorder, and thyroid disorder.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is also being reviewed.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right shoulder, left shoulder, and low back disabilities as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of right shoulder degenerative joint disease (DJD) as there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and active military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, right shoulder condition, and muscle spasms is granted. The Board found that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service assault, and his right shoulder and back conditions are linked to service.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, rated as service-connected left shoulder injury residuals, is granted an increased rating of 30 percent effective from May 25, 2016.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's left shoulder disability rating from 30 percent to 20 percent was improper and is void ab initio. The criteria for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent prior to July 21, 2010 have not been met or approximated. For the period from July 21, 2010 forward, the criteria for an increased evaluation in excess of 30 percent have also not been met or approximated.

The Veteran's claims for depression, left shoulder disorder, left arm disorder, and cervical spine disorder were reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, service connection was denied as there is no current diagnosis or link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder and right knee conditions, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and his active military service.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition is granted as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder condition.

The Board has identified several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims and remands them for further development. The Veteran is not seeking a rating increase or reopening of his hearing loss claim, but rather requests that his case be reviewed by the AOJ with the additional evidence.