Shoulder decisions — 2020

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, which has resulted in limitation of motion to midway between side and shoulder level, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include back disorder, neck disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, bilateral foot calluses, bilateral foot fungus, sleep disorder (secondary to back disorder and restless leg syndrome), and seizure disorder.

The Board denied an initial rating higher than 10 percent for hypertension and service connection for multiple joint pain. The Veteran's hypertension was found not to meet the criteria for a higher rating, while his claim for service connection for multiple joint pain was denied due to lack of evidence of a current diagnosed disability or qualifying chronic disability.

The Veteran's request to reopen his service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was granted. The Board also remanded several other issues related to the Veteran's claims, including those involving right foot hallux valgus, left shoulder disability, GI condition, low back disability and radiculopathy, hip disabilities, erectile dysfunction, Achilles' tendon conditions, foot conditions, gout, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for PTSD, migraine headaches, bilateral shoulder disabilities, calluses in the feet, and scars on the right shoulder are denied.,PTSD is currently rated at 70% under Diagnostic Code 9411. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not warrant a 100% disability rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder and elbow disabilities, as well as a higher rating for mechanical low back pain syndrome. The cervical spine disability is also addressed in the remand.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and secondary service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The initial rating for PTSD remains denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including breast cancer and its secondary effects. The Veteran's contentions regarding her breast complaints in service are considered, but further development is needed to obtain records from private clinics where she received treatment.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his military service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The claims for bilateral finger, hand numbness, shoulder, arm, and pes planus conditions are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for sleep apnea, left shoulder disability, and lumbar spine disability due to insufficient examination reports. The Veteran's service connection claims are not related to a presumption or new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and left hip disabilities due to insufficient medical evidence addressing whether these conditions are related to his in-service traumatic accident.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a bilateral shoulder disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition in-service or within one year after separation from service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not seek treatment for his shoulder disorder until many years post-service.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations, and additional evidence is needed.

The Board has decided to remand this case due to the need for further development and an addendum medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral shoulder, right arm, right hand, myoclonic jerks, loss of motor control, and loss of balance disorders, as well as his right foot and left foot disorders. The issues are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found no worse than Level I hearing loss in the right ear and Level I hearing loss in the left ear, resulting in a zero percent disability rating. Service connection for left knee and left shoulder disorders, as well as loss of sense of smell, is remanded.

The Board has found that the VA examination was inadequate and requires a new one to determine the current nature, extent, and severity of the Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal concerning multiple conditions and disorders, including right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right shoulder disability, cervical spine disorder, left shoulder disorder, and left upper extremity numbness.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder condition, low back condition, cervical spine condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and anxiety disorder), and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is also being remanded as it may be secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s left shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities do not meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.