Shoulder decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings for gout and impingement of the right shoulder, as well as left shoulder, is dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for cystic kidney disease is denied. The right shoulder disability and left shoulder disability claims are remanded due to new evidence received since the last denial. The peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities and blood clot disability claims are also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder, finding that his functional impairment more nearly approximates limitation of motion to midway between side and shoulder level.

The appeals for increased ratings and special monthly compensation have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an extension of the temporary total evaluation for convalescence after right shoulder surgery beyond May 31, 2008, finding that the evidence did not reach equipoise as to whether such an extension was warranted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including Bartter Syndrome and its secondary effects. The case is being returned to obtain clarification on the nature of her condition and determine if it was acquired in service or preexisted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for impingement right shoulder with secondary bursitis and supraspinatus tear was denied, as the evidence did not show that the complications were due to VA carelessness or negligence. The claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss disability prior to January 8, 2019 was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate findings in a previous VA examination and the need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and evidence to determine appropriate disability ratings.

The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder disability was not incurred or aggravated by active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's follow-up treatment at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center and St. Luke's Clinic on February 3, 2015 was authorized in advance for the December 2014 right shoulder surgery. The Board found that this treatment was part of the pre-authorized follow-up care.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's residuals of a left knee injury, right shoulder injury, and low back disability. The conditions are deemed to be directly related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, neck, right hip, and right knee disabilities. The Veteran's right shoulder and right hand disabilities are not service-connected.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability and a low back disability, finding no credible evidence of in-service injury or disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they did not make him permanently bedridden, substantially confined to the home or premises, or unable to care for daily needs without requiring regular aid and assistance.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. Service connection is established for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for a higher disability rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examination regarding ankylosis of his left shoulder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left and right shoulder disabilities due to incomplete development, including a lack of imaging tests and range of motion evaluations. The claims are now pending.