Shoulder decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back condition is dismissed as the grant of service connection encompasses the entire period on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder conditions and bicep tendonitis, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and her service-connected PTSD.

Service connection for high cholesterol is dismissed.,Entitlement to an effective date earlier than April 17, 2017, for service connection for status post left shoulder joint replacement (non-dominant), including degenerative arthritis, is denied.,Entitlement to an effective date earlier than April 17, 2017, for service connection for a left shoulder surgical scar is denied.,Entitlement to an effective date earlier than April 17, 2017, for service connection for hypertension is denied.,New and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a knee disability. The petition to reopen is denied.,Service connection for sleep apnea is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder condition, sarcoidosis, and residuals of cataract extraction are granted service connection. The Veteran is awarded a higher rating for his thoracic aorta condition from September 19, 2012 onwards.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, specifically addressing secondary and aggravation theories. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are believed to be contributing factors.

The Veteran's bilateral hand essential tremors were granted service connection on a direct basis. The issues of malaria, immunodeficiency disorder, chronic bronchitis, left thumb sprain, right ankle strain, left ankle strain, right knee strain, left knee strain with limitation of extension, thoracic spine degenerative disc disease and lumbar strain, left hip strain, and post traumatic headaches are all pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for chronic sinusitis, back disability, and right shoulder disability due to outstanding treatment records and the need for current VA examinations.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded for a new medical opinion to determine if it is related to service or his service-connected hepatitis C. The issues of higher initial ratings for various joint disabilities and radiculopathy are also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed bilateral foot disability, and thus denied service connection for this condition. The remaining issues of neck, ankle, knee, and shoulder disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal for service connection for gastrointestinal, right shoulder, left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities. Service connection was also granted for a back disability.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The TDIU claim is granted, but only effective from October 7, 2010.

The Board has remanded the increased rating claims for further evidentiary development, including obtaining VA and private medical records. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, excluding sarcoidosis, have rendered him unable to perform daily activities without assistance. He is granted SMC(l) based on aid and attendance from August 2, 2005, to August 16, 2010, as well as SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating issues related to his right shoulder, left lower extremity, and knee disabilities due to inadequate evaluations in prior decisions. The Veteran is required to provide VA with private healthcare provider records and all relevant VA treatment records. He also needs a VA examination for his right shoulder and left lower extremity disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as his representative withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various foot, hip, wrist, hand, leg, shoulder, spine, and hearing loss disabilities due to incomplete information in the record. The Veteran is required to provide authorization for VA to obtain his private treatment records and undergo examinations to determine if any of these conditions are related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition. Service connection claims for left shoulder DJD and lower back pain are also remanded due to outstanding treatment records and need for medical opinions on etiology.

The Board has found that there have been deficiencies in the previous remand directives and requires further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine and bilateral shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee disorders, shoulder disorder, and peripheral neuropathy have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, left hip disability, right hip disability, and right shoulder disability. The psychiatric disorder claim is remanded as the Veteran did not undergo a VA examination to determine its etiology.