Shoulder decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left shoulder, right shoulder, left and right ankle, and cervical spine disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to discuss certain issues.

Service connection for adult onset diabetes mellitus (ACE) is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim.,Service connection for right shoulder arthritis is granted. The Board found that the Veteran's current condition was related to service, specifically a football injury during active duty and subsequent treatment in service.,Service connection for left knee disability is denied. The Board concluded there was no evidence of continuity of symptomatology since service or any nexus between the current condition and service-connected conditions.,Service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied as there was no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted based on its manifestation in service and after separation from service.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board found that the Veteran experienced ringing in his ears since separation from service.

The Board has determined that the reductions in ratings for right knee chondromalacia patella and instability were improper due to failure to meet regulatory requirements. The effective dates remain unchanged.

The Board has remanded the claims for left knee disability, right knee disability, and right shoulder disability due to failure to obtain private orthopedic records from Western Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, P.C.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of his right shoulder condition, finding that there was no evidence linking it to his military service.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and consideration, including service connection claims for various disabilities.

Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted.,Claims to reopen service connection for erectile dysfunction, left shoulder disability, and right knee condition are granted.

The Board has remanded the issues of a rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected residuals, multiple dislocations, left shoulder with acromioclavicular arthritis and TDIU due to the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including TBI and PTSD. The AOJ is instructed to review all new evidence since the last statement of the case and determine if any benefits can be granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for left shoulder service connection due to insufficient evidence in the record, and a new opinion is needed that considers the Veteran’s reports of shoulder pain since his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for further evaluation of the Veteran's right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder and a right shoulder disorder have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease, and the current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings and TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the severity of his service-connected disabilities, as well as their impact on his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cervical spine and right shoulder disorders, finding that an adequate etiology opinion was not provided. The Veteran's reports of in-service injuries are to be considered.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right shoulder arthritis and right hip arthritis, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The Board also found that any current disabilities were not caused by active service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination. The Veteran's tension headaches are not considered to be prostrating, thus denying a compensable rating. Service connection is remanded for right knee, right shoulder, right ankle, and left wrist disabilities. An initial compensable rating for nasal polyps is also remanded.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a right shoulder condition, which she contends was caused by her duties as an Air Force Honor Guard. The case has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining medical opinions on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder condition, left ankle condition, and bipolar disorder. The claims are also being remanded due to a lack of evidence regarding service connection.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate examination reports and lack of addendum opinions.