Shoulder decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, an earlier effective date, and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right shoulder condition has been dismissed. The Board also remanded the cases for further development regarding evaluations of muscle group IV and supraclavicular nerve conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD and shoulder disabilities are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a Correia-compliant examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome with rotator cuff tendonitis. The case is remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of lumbar strain is not related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Board also denied service connection for a right shoulder disability, concluding that the Veteran's current condition was not incurred during service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from April 2008. The right shoulder DJD and thoracolumbar back disability are each rated at 30 and 40 percent respectively, both effective February 2, 2012. RLE radiculopathy is not higher than 20 percent.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, including a torn rotator cuff and glenohumeral osteoarthritis, is remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to service. The examiner must also assess whether the condition is proximately due to or aggravated by his right shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disabilities. The issues of service connection for left and right shoulder disabilities are being reviewed with new evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination for the left shoulder condition. The Veteran's representative requested a new opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding the nature and etiology of his left shoulder pain, including its relation to service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes, vision impairment of the right eye, a right shoulder condition, a left shoulder condition, and a right knee condition. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing in-service exposure to Agent Orange or other presumptive conditions.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.,The Veteran's claims for eye disorders, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, and sleep disorder were remanded as the VA opinions found no nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is granted service connection. For his right knee, a rating of 20 percent prior to July 24, 2018, and a higher initial rating after that date is denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability may not be service-connected due to insufficient evidence, and has ordered additional development.

The Board has decided that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left shoulder injury, including as due to service-connected disease or injury. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for TDIU and service connection for arthritis of the right shoulder are being remanded due to conflicting employment status information. The Board needs clarification on the Veteran's work history, including his current employment status.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and additional development is needed.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and right shoulder disability. The Veteran's claim for a right ankle disability is remanded due to inadequate development.,Service connection for headaches remains pending.

The Veteran's right shoulder impingement syndrome status post arthroscopy is not manifested by limitation of flexion and abduction to midway between the side and shoulder, or 45 degrees of flexion and abduction. The Veteran's two painful linear scars from arthroscopy on the right shoulder were not deep or unstable, and do not cover an area of 144 square inches or greater.,The Veteran's right shoulder scar prior to March 24, 2021 is rated as noncompensable (0 percent), while a rating of 10 percent is assigned from March 24, 2021.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right shoulder disabilities, including as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability due to a disagreement over whether he currently has separate disabilities of his shoulders.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and service treatment records. The Veteran's right shoulder disability will be examined to determine its etiology.