Shoulder decisions — 2020

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues related to service connection and increased rating for disabilities, including low back lumbar sprain, left shoulder disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board dismissed these appeals as a result.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination results, specifically missing range of motion testing for pain during active and passive motion. The Veteran's left shoulder disability is still under review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left ankle disorders, a right shoulder disorder, and a low back disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder total replacement is being remanded due to the need for a new opinion considering his reports of in-service shoulder pain.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to incomplete information in his VA Form 21-2680 examination. The case requires a new examination to determine if he needs regular aid and assistance from another person due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to November 15, 2016, for the grants of service connection for PTSD, IBS, bilateral shoulder disability, neck disability, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability has been withdrawn.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted, as the Veteran reported experiencing ringing in his ears since service and provided credible testimony during the January 2020 Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional medical input regarding the extent of the right shoulder disability and its impact on employment. The examiner is to provide an assessment of any additional loss of range of motion due to flare-ups, repeat use over time, and progression of the service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and left knee disorders due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which he asserts are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and issues related to service connection, rating decisions, and TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder disability and a psychiatric disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for her thoracic outlet syndrome and right knee disability are denied, while she is granted a separate rating of 20 percent for her right knee instability.

The Veteran's left shoulder acromioclavicular joint arthrosis with nerve impingement syndrome was granted an initial rating of 30 percent, effective January 3, 2001.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and left shoulder impingement syndrome were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating for his bilateral hearing loss prior to November 8, 2019 or in excess of 10 percent thereafter. For his left shoulder impingement syndrome, he was already rated at 20 percent and no higher.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the appellant's current neck, left shoulder, and headache conditions are related to his in-service motor vehicle accident during inactive duty training.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left shoulder disorder, left hand disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a reduction in rating for his right shoulder disability and ratings for his lumbar spine, knee, and lower extremity radiculopathies. The appeal also includes an issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for various disabilities due to outstanding records and inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran will need to provide additional treatment records, including those from private providers. He will also be provided with new examinations related to his psychiatric disorder, hypertension, lung disability, left shoulder, back, knee, and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's Bell’s palsy is granted, and the Board has remanded for further development regarding other service-connected claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.