Shoulder decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder condition, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic in-service injury or disease and that any current disability is not related to an in-service event. The Board found the Veteran's assertions regarding continuous pain since service were not credible due to internal inconsistencies with his medical records.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration of new evidence, including CAPRI records from the Columbia VAMC.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as there was no evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis and posttraumatic arthritis of the right ankle, as well as rheumatoid arthritis of the bilateral knees and shoulders. Service connection was denied for osteoarthritis of the left ankle and wrists.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left shoulder disability and OSA due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature and cause of these disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder disability, including whether it is related to his in-service boxing and football injuries.

The Board has denied service connection for a right elbow disability, and the case is being remanded due to issues with chest pain, genitourinary disability, right shoulder disability, and headaches.,Service connection for chest pain and heart disability (CAD) is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for further examination. The Veteran's right shoulder disorder is related to service, but her right hip disorder may be related to her service-connected left hip disability or her own symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral shoulder conditions, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial rating increase were denied as he failed to appear at scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining complete service treatment records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, right knee condition, right ankle sprain, left ankle sprain, right shoulder injury (including pain in the scapular area), right rib cage injury, and head injury are all remanded to obtain addendum opinions regarding their relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.,Specifically, he is seeking service connection for various conditions including left shoulder impairment, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, left knee impairment, right shoulder impairment, sinus condition, headaches, and a peripheral vestibular disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder and left knee conditions, finding that his current diagnoses are related to injuries he sustained during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment, thus the claim for TDIU is denied.

The claims for service connection for hypertension, right knee disability, left knee disability, right foot disability, left foot disability, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability have been reopened.,The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has also been reopened.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's left shoulder disability is being reviewed for direct service connection, while her right shoulder disability may be considered secondary to her left shoulder disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left shoulder condition due to inadequate medical evidence regarding flare-ups and their impact on range of motion.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including colon cancer, degenerative joint diseases of multiple body parts, and a respiratory disability. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed due to the need for additional medical records and an opinion regarding potential asbestos exposure.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional right shoulder disability due to a May 2011 VA surgery, finding that the Veteran's condition was not caused by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on VA’s part.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder, knee, and hip disabilities are not service-connected as they are less likely than not related to his active duty.,His low back disability is also denied as it did not manifest during service or within one year of separation.