Shoulder decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the service connection appeals for respiratory disorders, right shoulder disability, and left knee disability due to incomplete STRs from December 1993 to October 1994. Additional efforts are required to obtain these records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease, left shoulder sprain, and right shoulder sprain were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder disability as secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability. The appeal regarding a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to April 20, 2014 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for a left ankle disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left hand numbness, right hand numbness, and a right shoulder disability based on limitation of motion. The Court also directed the Board to examine whether the Veteran has a current spine disability.,The initial increased rating claim for the spine disability is being remanded as well.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates earlier than specific dates have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for initial disability ratings in excess of specific percentages have also been dismissed.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran’s lumbar spine disability has been granted a 40 percent rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left upper arm and shoulder disability, finding that there is no evidence of a relationship between his current condition and service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to unclear periods of active duty and training, requiring further verification. The appellant must provide additional information or evidence to support her claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to insufficient examination reports, particularly regarding the effects of flare-ups on his left elbow and shoulder disabilities. The Veteran is also seeking a higher rating for his service-connected left elbow disability.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and increased disability rating for scapulocostal syndrome of the left shoulder have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these appeals.

The Board dismissed all the claims on appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right shoulder, elbow, and neck disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted with a rating of 40 percent prior to January 20, 2020 and from December 6, 2016 through January 20, 2020. The right shoulder disability is granted with a rating of 20 percent prior to July 28, 2015 and denied for any higher ratings.

The claims of service connection for right and left shoulder disorders, COPD, GERD, and jaw disorder have been reopened and granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, right ankle disability, right foot disability, and left foot disability due to lack of compliance with previous remand instructions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the right shoulder disability, and the left knee disability claim was withdrawn prior to the transfer of the appeal.

A rating of 40 percent, but not higher, for lumbar paravertebral myositis is granted.,A rating of 50 percent for migraines is granted.,A rating of 30 percent, but not higher, for right shoulder bursitis is granted.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for left leg radiculopathy is denied.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for right leg radiculopathy is denied.,Entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown to be related to service, as her current conditions do not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations.,The Veteran's right shoulder injury was not shown to have had its onset in service or be otherwise related to service. Her current condition is also not related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of evidence linking her current degenerative arthritis, right shoulder disability, and iron deficiency anemia to her military service. The claims are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 30 percent since June 30, 2015. The appeal includes multiple issues related to service connection and remanded for further review.