Shoulder decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left shoulder disability is remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration of functional loss.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted. The Board has remanded the remaining issues for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities are denied. The left shoulder, left hip, and right hip disabilities were evaluated under the old criteria prior to February 7, 2021, and both the old and new rating criteria from that date.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to an inadequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right and left shoulder disabilities. The claims are not currently decided.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's left shoulder disability and acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically addressing whether these conditions are related to service or aggravated by a pre-existing condition.

The Board has dismissed the issue of entitlement to service connection for joint pain. The issues of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, cardiovascular disability, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)/hiatal hernia, and hypertension are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records and further medical examination. The issues include an acquired psychiatric disorder, fatigue, skin condition, and joint pain.

The Veteran's left ankle condition, including achilles tendonitis and degenerative arthritis, was not shown as chronic in service or related to an in-service injury. The Board denied service connection for this condition.,There is no evidence of a current residual of the right eye chemical burn by exposure to jet fuel. Service connection for residuals of the right eye chemical burn was denied.,The Veteran's neck disability, presumed due to his service-connected spinal condition, was not shown as chronic in service or related to an in-service injury. The Board remanded this issue.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate the Veteran's TDIU claim. The issue of entitlement to aid and attendance is also raised.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development, specifically regarding a VA medical opinion on the Veteran's left shoulder disability. The examiner was instructed to address the Veteran's history of multiple shoulder dislocations during his active service and determine if these are related to his current condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to June 4, 2008 due to insufficient evidence showing he was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disorder and bilateral leg pain due to lack of evidence showing the conditions are related to service. The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded as there were errors in obtaining unit records.,Service connection for heart, skin, enlarged prostate, erectile dysfunction, and sinus disorders is also remanded due to lack of evidence showing the conditions are related to service.

The Board dismissed the appeal of three issues related to sleep apnea, left shoulder disability, and lumbar spine disability due to the appellant's withdrawal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to procedural issues, lack of adequate medical opinions, and need for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder, right knee, and right ankle disabilities render him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment for the rating period prior to April 21, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a right shoulder disability, including right subclavian venous thrombosis, due to insufficient evidence of a nexus between his current condition and service. The Veteran will need to undergo a VA examination to determine if his current condition is related to his active duty.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be made on the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, right shoulder, and left sided trigeminal neuralgia disabilities. The Veteran will need to provide her complete service treatment records, including those from her deployment period in Korea, and VA will seek these records. She will also undergo new VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence. However, these claims are still pending as they require further development.