Shoulder decisions — 2022

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, while his lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent prior to May 11, 2021, and 20 percent thereafter. The Veteran's right shoulder disability remains at a 20 percent rating.,The Board denied all increased rating claims as the evidence did not support ratings higher than those currently assigned.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, claimed as Gulf War syndrome, is granted service connection. The issues of service connection for migraine headaches and a right shoulder disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left shoulder impingement syndrome and recurrent dislocation of the scapulohumeral joint, as well as a rating higher than 20 percent for left ulnar neuropathy from February 19, 2020, were denied.

The Veteran's lung cancer is granted service connection, while his right and left shoulder disabilities, Barrett's esophagus, hiatal hernia, right hip disability, left hip disability, right knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss disability are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, right shoulder disorder, BUE radiculopathy, lumbar spine disorder, and BLE radiculopathy due to inadequate medical opinions addressing causation and aggravation.

The Veteran's tarsal tunnel syndrome of the left lower extremity is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of severe symptoms or complete paralysis.,The issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart condition, residuals of stroke, sarcoidosis, and migraines are all remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including rotator cuff tear and impingement syndrome status post surgery, is currently rated at 40 percent.,The Veteran's residual scars due to arthroscopy of the right and left shoulders are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for a right shoulder disorder and a right knee disorder. The Veteran's migraine headaches, bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus, and allergic rhinitis are also being reviewed on remand.

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are necessary to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right shoulder and right foot disabilities, as the existing evidence is too old to adequately evaluate their current state.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left shoulder disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's asthma is granted service connection under the PACT Act, and his MDD and PTSD claims are remanded for further development. His right ear hearing loss and sleep apnea claims are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to uncertainty about whether his rheumatoid arthritis pre-existed service and if so, whether it was aggravated by military service. The issues of service connection for lumbar spine disorder, left shoulder disorder, and right shoulder disorder are also being remanded.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for a back condition, including upper back and cervical spine, was granted. However, the claim itself remains denied.,The Veteran's right shoulder condition is remanded due to lack of an adequate opinion linking it to active duty.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, right shoulder, and right hip disorders due to insufficient medical opinions addressing causation and aggravation.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 20 percent for chronic left shoulder ligamentous strain prior to May 11, 2016 was denied. The Board found that the current 20 percent rating under DC 5202 adequately addresses all functional limitations and impairments of the left shoulder, including limitation of motion due to pain.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for clarification on whether the Veteran's current left shoulder disability is related to service and if his pre-existing condition was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied, but he receives a TDIU and special monthly compensation at the housebound rate. Basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for left shoulder myofascial syndrome was granted, and he is now entitled to a disability rating of 20 percent for his left shoulder disability as of August 28, 2018. The increase ratings for the right and left shoulder disabilities were denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased ratings for right shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is granted. The claims of service connection for right knee, bilateral hips, and bilateral shoulders disorders are remanded.