Shoulder decisions — 2022

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for low back pain and neurological impairment due to VA surgical treatment, as well as service connection for bilateral shoulder disabilities, cervical spine disability, and left hip bursitis claimed as secondary to or proximately caused by the resultant lower back pain and neurological impairment.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, specifically AC joint separation with DJD, is granted a 30 percent rating prior to November 6, 2019.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hand/thumb disorder, a right shoulder disorder, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for various conditions and disability ratings due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of various conditions, including right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, neck disorder, hyperlipidemia, bilateral restless leg syndrome, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The claim for right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder and knee scar disability is granted a 20 percent evaluation, effective September 1, 2014. The right shoulder scar is denied an evaluation greater than 10 percent since February 10, 2021.

The Board has ordered new examinations to determine the nature and cause of various disorders, including back disorder, atherosclerosis, cerebral infarction, loss of teeth, left shoulder disorder, gallbladder disorder, GERD, muscle spasms, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, hyperlipidemia, and peripheral vascular disease. The Veteran was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and ionizing radiation but the medical opinions are needed for these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for various forms of arthritis in multiple joints, including the right and left hands, wrists, knees, shoulders, feet, and back. The decision is based on a finding that these conditions are related to normal wear and tear due to aging rather than exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has ordered a remand for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral ankle, foot, hip, and shoulder disabilities due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations. The AOJ should request an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete or insufficient medical opinions regarding his service connection claims for tinnitus, hearing loss, Mohs cancer (skin cancer), chronic neck condition, right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, chronic back pain, left knee condition, right knee condition, and foot conditions. The claims are being returned to the RO with instructions to prepare and issue a Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including left kidney condition, migraine headaches, left testicle condition, right testicle condition, foot condition, right shoulder condition, stomach ulcers, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), ED, eye condition, and sleep apnea. The effective dates for these claims are not addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and rating.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed for the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, right elbow disability, left elbow disability, bilateral pes planus, left knee disability, and right knee disability. The Veteran will need to provide VA with any outstanding treatment records from VA facilities in Florida and Georgia, as well as undergo examinations to address the issues of service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and lack of supporting evidence. The Veteran is required to provide additional treatment records from Dr. H.C. at the Whitaker Clinic of UAB, and a new medical opinion must be obtained regarding his sinus condition, cervical spine disability, bilateral knee, shoulder, hip, and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for a rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed.,His claims for service connection for left arm disorder (previously characterized as left shoulder disorder) and right knee disorder (previously characterized as right leg disorder) have been reopened with the grant of service connection.

The reduction in the disability rating for a right shoulder strain and impingement syndrome from 20 percent to 0 percent was not proper, and the Veteran's 20 percent rating is restored. The Board also granted entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has dismissed all issues related to earlier effective dates for service connection of hearing loss and tinnitus, as the Veteran withdrew these claims. The appeal is also dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her claim during her hearing.,The Board remanded three issues: left shoulder impingement, right shoulder impingement, and residuals of bilateral subacromial decompression surgery. The heart condition issue is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient examination and lack of consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his service-connected back disability and post-service work history.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the bilateral hips, knees, and shoulders as there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability.