Shoulder decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case to consider a separate compensable rating for left shoulder numbness in conjunction with the claim for an increased rating for left shoulder osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not received to support the reopening of his claims. The Board found that there was no nexus between any current conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for Parkinson’s disease and right shoulder, left shoulder, left wrist, right hip, and left hip disabilities due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and musculoskeletal conditions, prevented him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment. The Board granted the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions regarding service connection for right shoulder and back conditions are inadequate. The Veteran's right shoulder and back disabilities may be related to his service-connected cervical spine disability, but further examination is needed to determine this.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his left shoulder disability is dismissed. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral shoulder, neck and back disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the etiology of her current conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hip osteoarthritis and an increased rating for right shoulder bursitis due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for back and left shoulder disabilities is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination, as well as the retrieval of any outstanding VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is being remanded for further evaluation, and the TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its inextricability with the other claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need for additional medical opinions. The claims will be reconsidered after all requested development is completed.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his condition, including during flare-ups. Updated VA treatment records are also needed.

The claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder disorder, heart disorder, and diabetes mellitus type II have been granted. The Veteran's current treatment records support the existence of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the right hip was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and no link to service.,Service connection was also denied for left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, low back condition, left knee condition, and right knee condition due to lack of in-service injury or disease.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder AC joint arthritis, finding that the evidence is in equipoise and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and earlier effective dates for left shoulder sprain, right shoulder sprain, and anxiety disorder with unspecified depressive disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for a left shoulder disability due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The low back disability issue is remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of service connection claims for various conditions as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder tendonitis and right-sided cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve entrapment). The decision found that the Veteran’s left shoulder abduction was limited to 60 degrees, which did not warrant a higher rating under DC 5201. For the right-sided cubital tunnel syndrome, the Board granted a disability rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his household.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in actual or functional loss of use of either foot.