Shoulder decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, right hip disability, and left shoulder condition due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, neck disability, bilateral shoulder disability, right index finger disability, right great toe disability, and bilateral elbow and ankle disabilities due to inadequate opinions in the VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various shoulder, knee, back, and foot disorders due to inadequate VA examinations and missing medical records. The Veteran's claim for sleep disorders is also remanded as there was no examination or opinion regarding insomnia.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability due to additional development being required.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal regarding PTSD service connection. The Right Shoulder Disability was granted, while the Left Shoulder Disability was denied.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and foot conditions. He did not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate or based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's neck and left shoulder injuries are not deemed to be caused by VA medical treatment, thus compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is denied.

The Veteran's right hip disorder with right hamstring strain has been granted a higher rating of 20 percent, but no higher.,The Veteran's right thigh limited abduction has also been granted a higher rating of 10 percent, but no higher.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including asbestosis, cervical and lumbar spine conditions, shoulder osteoarthritis, tinnitus, knee degenerative arthritis, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient evidence and conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for blindness, glaucoma, hypertension, TBI, rheumatoid arthritis, right shoulder pain, left shoulder pain, left elbow disorder, right shoulder disorder, right wrist disorder, left wrist disorder, numbness and stiffness in the right toes, numbness, pain, and tingling in the left leg, joint pain and swelling in the jaw, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, left knee disorder, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, bilateral pes planus, left foot bunions, right foot bunions, residuals of a rib fracture, right hand disorder, left hand disorder, tonsillitis, dizzy spells, chronic fatigue disorder, pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat), allergy disorder, breathing disorder, sleep apnea, heart disorder manifest by an irregular heartbeat, ulcer, gastritis, gastrointestinal disorder manifested by gas and stomach problems, GERD, kidney disorder, residuals of a left chest lipoma, obesity, left arm disorder, and numbness, pain, and stiffness in the fingers.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder bursitis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to her period of active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board granted his claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, a back disability, and a right shoulder disability due to issues with substitution. The appellant is seeking to continue her husband's pending claims on the merits.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, right shoulder capsulitis (frozen shoulder), and right shoulder capsulitis as secondary to service-connected back disability have been granted. The left shoulder capsulitis claim has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for DDD and service connection for a right shoulder disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, including migraines, is granted. The claims for right knee iliotibial band syndrome, right shoulder condition, and elbow condition are remanded for further development.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for a new VA examination and review of treatment records, particularly from St. Anthony's.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability, low back disability and right knee disability due to new evidence. However, further development is needed as physical examination is required.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right little finger fracture, thoracolumbar spine disability, left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, bilateral foot strain, and bilateral knee patellofemoral syndrome. Service connection was denied for residuals of Valley fever.