Shoulder decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete information regarding his periods of active duty training and inactive duty training. The RO is instructed to obtain any additional medical records, verify the Veteran's ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA service, and consider whether to seek addendum VA opinions or new examinations.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for his left shoulder and lumbar spine disabilities were denied.,For the period prior to February 2, 2017, the Veteran was not granted an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar IVDS and lumbar strain.

The Veteran's left shoulder condition is rated at 30 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to determine its current severity and impact of all symptoms, flare-ups, functional impairment and conditions present.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and service connection due to incomplete medical opinions regarding flare-ups at earlier examinations. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's neck disability and right shoulder disability are rated at the minimum compensable levels, but there is evidence of functional loss due to pain. The Board finds that a higher rating is warranted for both conditions.,For the period prior to January 19, 2006, the Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated as 20 percent disabling and her neck disability as 10 percent disabling. For the period beginning January 19, 2006, the Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent and her neck disability remains at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot disability, right foot disability, and rash on the back and shoulders due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, asthma, left shoulder disability, allergic rhinitis, lumbar strain, and hallux valgus, are of such severity that they prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, a headache disorder, and a bilateral shoulder disorder prior to the Board's decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right shoulder disability, finding no credible evidence that he injured his shoulder during service and thus not meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for left ankle and right shoulder disorders due to additional medical inquiry.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and skin disability due to a lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease that led to these conditions.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating determinations related to his left ankle, low back, and right shoulder disabilities due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, dyspareunia (painful intercourse) or female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), a left arm/hand disability (claimed as numbness, and other than the already service-connected shoulder strain), and/or bilateral lower extremity disability (claimed as numbness, and other than the already service-connected left hip strain and feet disabilities).,The Board found that there is no current evidence of hearing loss or dyspareunia/FSAD in either ear. The Veteran's STRs do not show any complaints or diagnoses related to a left arm/hand disability or bilateral lower extremity disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to have caused his obesity, which was a substantial factor in the development of his Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Right Knee Disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and bilateral shoulder disability, as well as the claims for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status, and temporary total rating based upon the need for post-surgical convalescence following right shoulder surgery. More development is needed to address these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, citing issues with missing VA and Social Security Administration (SSA) records that may be relevant to substantiating his claim.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection for various conditions as the appellant died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted due to limited range of motion.,The Veteran's lower back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected due to in-service noise exposure. The left shoulder disability is remanded for further examination, the acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded with new stressors considered, and the sinus condition is remanded for clarification of diagnosis.