Shoulder decisions — 2022

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and left shoulder disability. However, both claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The appeal of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is dismissed.,New and material evidence having been submitted, the claim of entitlement to service connection for right hip disability is reopened, and to this extent only the appeal is granted.,New and material evidence having been submitted, the claim of entitlement to service connection for left hip disability is reopened, and to this extent only the appeal is granted.,New and material evidence having been submitted, the claim of entitlement to service connection for low back disability is reopened, and to this extent only the appeal is granted.,New and material evidence having been submitted, the claim of entitlement to service connection for right hand disability is reopened, and to this extent only the appeal is granted.,The claims of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder disability and right shoulder disability (fracture fragment of the right acromioclavicular joint) are remanded.,The claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left shoulder strain, left ankle sprain, right knee sprain with patellar dislocation, and lumbosacral strain are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's GERD with duodenitis, chronic strain and DJD of the left shoulder, left wrist scaphoid fracture ORIF with residuals, DJD and DDD of the cervical spine, DDD of the lumbosacral spine, onychomycosis (fungus infection of the feet), and hypertension have all been denied.,The Veteran's disability ratings for GERD with duodenitis, chronic strain and DJD of the left shoulder, left wrist scaphoid fracture ORIF with residuals, DJD and DDD of the cervical spine, DDD of the lumbosacral spine, onychomycosis (fungus infection of the feet), and hypertension have all been denied.,The Veteran's disability ratings for GERD with duodenitis, chronic strain and DJD of the left shoulder, left wrist scaphoid fracture ORIF with residuals, DJD and DDD of the cervical spine, DDD of the lumbosacral spine, onychomycosis (fungus infection of the feet), and hypertension have all been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and reopening of previously denied claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA examination. The issues include whether her neck disability is secondary to her service-connected low back disability and/or right lower extremity disability.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

Effective dates of May 6, 2015 are granted for the awards of service connection for tinnitus, left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis with labral tear including SLAP, right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, skin condition, and right shoulder disability due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives. The VA examiners are required to provide clarifying opinions regarding whether the Veteran's symptoms are manifestations of a medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness or caused by exposure to hazards in Southwest Asia.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to inadequate rationale provided by a VA examiner in their February 2020 examination. The issues of entitlement to service connection for left and right ankle disorders, left and right foot disorders, a left hand disorder, and residuals, fracture fifth finger right hand are being remanded as the VA examiner did not account for the Veteran's lay statements regarding pain in both ankles and his in-service findings. The issue of entitlement to service connection for residuals, dislocated right shoulder is also being remanded due to inadequate rationale provided by the VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient consideration of his lay statements regarding in-service injuries and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, and grants a TDIU with a combined rating of 80 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and neck disability due to insufficient rationale in the previous decision regarding these conditions. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for dental issues, but this claim was not addressed by the Board.

The Veteran's claims for cardiovascular disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease, arthralgias, and low back disability have been granted. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder, bilateral wrist, and bilateral knee disorders due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran testified that his symptoms began during active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations by orthopedists.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's joint and muscle pain. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, nor ankylosis of either knee. Therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance with adaptive equipment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no current disability in either ear that meets VA compensation criteria. The right shoulder claim was remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology.,Service connection is not granted for a right shoulder disability as there is insufficient evidence linking any diagnosed condition to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder, but remanded the claims for service connection of other conditions including a right hand disorder, right foot disorder, right hip disorder, and low back disorder due to in-service injuries.