Shoulder decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a right shoulder disorder and chest scar have been granted. The claim for a rating higher than 10 percent for tinnitus has been dismissed. The Board has remanded the cases to obtain STRs, provide a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the disorders, and schedule an examination for hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the remand directives were not substantially complied with and thus, the claims for service connection for right upper extremity neuropathy and a right shoulder disability are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's left index finger laceration scar residuals and chemical burn scars. The low back disability issue is also linked with other service-connected disabilities, requiring further review.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hand and wrist disabilities, as well as the reopening of a claim for service connection for bilateral ankle disability due to inadequate previous examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's initial and subsequent ratings for his right shoulder disability have been denied, with the most recent rating of 20 percent being denied from December 7, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to procedural issues and need for additional medical examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection claims for various joint and back pain conditions. The Veteran's STRs are to be obtained, and VA medical opinions are needed to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims due to inadequate VA examinations and insufficient medical opinions.,The Veteran asserts that his conditions are related to service or secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, including as secondary to the service-connected back disability. The evidence did not support a finding that the current bilateral shoulder disability was related to service or aggravated by the service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for a right shoulder disability has been withdrawn.,Issues related to cervical strain, bilateral hand disability (including arthritis), and PTSD have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder and cervical spine disabilities due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran is required to provide authorization for records from Banner Health, and new addendum opinions are needed regarding the relationship between his current disabilities and documented in-service injuries.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including an upper-GI disorder, a left shoulder disorder, a right hand disorder, a low back disorder, and bilateral knee disorders. The Veteran's claims are based on direct service connection rather than any presumption or secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected shoulder and knee conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than what was already granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition and a left shoulder condition, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions began during or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as his need for assistance stems primarily from his non-service-connected cyclical vomiting syndrome.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including respiratory and sleep disorders, left shoulder disorder, neck spasms and radiculopathy, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and heat edema of the right lower extremity. The remand includes obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling a DRO hearing, and requesting expert opinions on the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right shoulder disability has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and evaluations of various conditions have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The right shoulder disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, anxiety), and multiple sclerosis claims are still pending.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has decided to remand this case for further examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand orders.