Shoulder decisions — 2021

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, bilateral foot disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and lumbar spine disability as there was no evidence of a nexus between the current disabilities and military service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient recent medical evidence and the Veteran's testimony indicating worsening of his knee and shoulder disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder and left ankle disabilities due to lack of substantial compliance with its previous instructions.

The Veteran was granted a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) effective November 28, 2007. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable beginning February 8, 2006.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his muscle tension headaches prior to November 15, 2010 and from that date onwards. His wrist sprain, ankle disability, thoracic outlet syndrome of the right shoulder and neck, and residuals of a right knee injury status-post lysis of plica were all denied increased ratings.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection of lumbar spine disability due to a full grant of benefits. The Veteran's left hip disabilities were rated appropriately, and no higher ratings are warranted based on flexion or thigh impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) as his combined disability rating was not at least 70% and he did not meet the percentage requirements for consideration of a total evaluation under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

The Veteran's claims of service connection for back and right shoulder disabilities have been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded the claim for an initial increased rating in excess of 70 percent for persistent depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's left shoulder disorder and its relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck disability, right shoulder disability, right arm disability, and right hand disability due to inadequate VA medical opinions in denying his claims. The case is now pending for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability. The issues of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist, right shoulder disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression) are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disorder and sleep apnea due to inadequate examination reports and missing medical records. The Veteran needs an addendum opinion regarding his pre-existing right shoulder injury.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for coronary artery disease, increased rating for osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, and increased rating for osteoarthritis of the right shoulder. Additional development is required to address outstanding VA treatment records, obtain Workman's Compensation records, and provide a VA opinion regarding the Veteran's heart claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and shoulder disorder due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on his in-service duties as a combat medic and licensed practical nurse.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right knee, left knee, right shoulder, right ear hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes), and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The appeals are currently pending due to new evidence received that may support these claims.

The Veteran's migraines, cervical spine degenerative changes, thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left shoulder strain, right elbow epicondylitis, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right ankle strain have been granted higher initial disability ratings. The Veteran also received a 20 percent disability rating for left ankle degenerative changes, residual from left fibula fracture.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder condition. A new opinion is needed from a clinician who can provide a more accurate assessment based on earlier treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome, left lower extremity radiculopathy, PTSD, and left shoulder labral tear.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including painful motion of the cervical spine, right shoulder, left hip, right hip, left knee, right knee, left ankle, and right ankle associated with undiagnosed illness, have been granted effective April 23, 2007.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to deficiencies in prior VA opinions and the need to address the Veteran's contentions regarding the rigors of service.