Shoulder decisions — 2021

Service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine has been granted.,The issue of service connection for right shoulder disorder, to include as secondary to service-connected degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, is being remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent as of July 20, 2017. The Board finds that there was no factually ascertainable increase in disability prior to this date.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability had its onset during his active duty service and is related to his duties as a mechanic. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, shoulder disorder, and OSA due to inadequate examinations in February 2021. The Veteran contends that his current conditions are related to his military service, including repetitive trauma from carrying heavy loads and corpses.

The Board has remanded the claims for chronic muscle fatigue, left shoulder disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral leg disability due to insufficient development of evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the claimed disabilities, particularly whether they are related to a parachute jump accident during inactive duty training in July 1974.

The Board has remanded the claims for neck, bilateral shoulder, and back disabilities due to inadequate VA opinions. The Veteran's sleep apnea claim remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and MDD with additional conditions like atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic lumbosacral strain, left elbow epicondylitis, bilateral plantar fasciitis, left shoulder tendonitis, bilateral tinnitus, and hypertension, have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to February 19, 2015. The Veteran is now eligible for a TDIU based on his MDD with PTSD alone, which meets the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals as he withdrew all his pending appeals through his authorized representative.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's right shoulder osteoarthritis is currently evaluated at 20 percent, effective July 14, 2015. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and a right shoulder disorder due to additional development being warranted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to outstanding VA treatment records, incomplete examination reports, and the need for additional examinations. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's left-shoulder degenerative changes and recurrent dislocation have been rated at 20 percent each, resulting in a combined rating of 40 percent. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support an increased evaluation for either condition.,The Veteran’s service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for a keloid scar on the chest and right shoulder disability, but remanded the issue of service connection for prostate disability to include residuals of prostate cancer.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder injury and bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence of in-service injury or noise exposure that could be linked to the current conditions.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and PTSD, as well as service connection for a left shoulder disability. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations and obtain any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20%, 30%, and 40% prior to June 6, 2016, from June 6, 2016 to February 4, 2020, respectively. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for left acoustic neuroma, bilateral shoulder disability, chronic muscle disability, and squamous cell carcinoma. The decision also noted that the Veteran's claims were remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim for service connection of a left shoulder disability, but it also found that there is no current evidence showing a pre-existing condition. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted (reopening) while others were denied.