Shoulder decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back, neck, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities are service-connected. However, due to a lack of an examination for his right shoulder disability, this issue is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of his shoulder disabilities has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, neck disorder, and back disorder as secondary to service-connected endolymphatic hydrops due to insufficient development of records and failure to address the theory of aggravation.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claim of an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for a left shoulder strain with arthritis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and service connection for right wrist and left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as secondary service connection for a right shoulder disability. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions and new evidence. The issues of major depressive disorder, chronic fatigue, bilateral upper and lower extremity radiculopathy, and right shoulder limitation of motion are being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and examination, including for VA shoulder and cervical spine evaluations. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a right ear hearing loss disability. His left elbow disability claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with previous remand directives, specifically regarding an addendum opinion on whether the Veteran's right shoulder disability is secondary or aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing a VA examination to determine the current diagnoses and etiology of the Veteran's claimed heart disorder and lung disorders (claimed as chest infections, to include pneumonia and bronchitis).

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a referral to the Director of Compensation for consideration of entitlement to a TDIU under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Veteran's claims for right shoulder, leg, and hip disabilities have been dismissed. The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for a right hip disability has been granted, but the case is remanded due to insufficient evidence in the March 2015 VA examination report.

The Board has decided to remand the service connection claims for neck, back, right shoulder, left leg skin, testicular skin, and bilateral ear disorders due to outstanding inpatient clinical treatment records from Tripler Army Medical Center.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's skeletal system, including service connection for various conditions. The claims are pending further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 10, 2020 was denied as the evidence did not show he was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, and bilateral knee disability. The disabilities are found to be at least as likely as not related to in-service injuries.

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his left shoulder strain and service connection for a right shoulder disorder, to include as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder strain, are being remanded due to the need for additional examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder degenerative joint disease, intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis of the cervical spine, and residuals, fracture of anterolateral ribs #6 and #7.,All three conditions are found to be related to in-service injuries sustained during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), and left shoulder strain have been granted. The Veteran is now rated at the maximum 40 percent disability rating for his lumbar spine condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for a right shoulder disability and low back disability due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's reported history of injury during service. The Veteran is asked to provide an accurate history, and any corroboration he may have for this incident.