Shoulder decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for a temporary total evaluation for convalescence following left shoulder surgery and an increased rating for his left shoulder osteoarthrosis status post arthroscopic surgery was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support extending the initial convalescent period or granting a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and opinion to determine if the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder tendinitis and a right elbow condition, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for her service-connected right shoulder strain, finding that her range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his lumbar spine, left shoulder, and right knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations in December 2016. The new VA examinations conducted in July 2019 did not address the Veteran’s reports of flare-ups, which were previously evaluated as inadequate. Additional opinions are needed regarding the severity, frequency, and duration of any flare-ups.

The Board denied service connection for low back, neck, right shoulder, left shoulder, right arm carpal tunnel syndrome, right knee, and left knee disorders. The Veteran's claims were also remanded for additional development regarding teeth grinding and sinusitis.,Service connection was not granted for a skin disorder due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability is granted. His claims of increased ratings for various disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and hypertension, both secondary to service-connected lumbosacral strain or anxiety disorder. The remand requires new etiology opinions from VA examiners.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and balance impairment disorder due to the lack of medical evidence indicating current disabilities.,There is no current diagnosis or treatment records indicating any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for his service-connected scars have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's tinnitus and GERD have been granted service connection. The right shoulder and knee disabilities are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for neck and left shoulder disabilities due to insufficient development, but did not reach a decision on these claims.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a cancerous right shoulder tumor, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the condition and active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that there was no direct evidence linking his current condition to his military service. The Board also found that the veteran did not provide credible testimony regarding continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability and hypertension were denied service connection. The liver disability was remanded for further examination.,Service connection for the Veteran’s right shoulder disability, hypertension, and liver disability is being remanded due to incomplete information.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sarcoidosis, shoulder and neck pain, and back pain have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for the shoulder and neck disability.,Service connection for sarcoidosis is remanded due to lack of a medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% since April 2008, effective from the date of his initial service connection.,Service connection for a right shoulder disorder was remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. Other claims for service connection are remanded for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of his right and left shoulder disabilities, finding that no earlier effective date is warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has denied service connection for non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and remanded the claims of service connection for lumbar spine arthritis, cervical spine arthritis, left shoulder arthritis, and right shoulder arthritis due to insufficient evidence.