Shoulder decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder, right elbow, left elbow, and cervical spine disabilities due to incomplete development. The AOJ is instructed to obtain private medical records and clarify whether an Informal Decision Review Officer hearing is desired.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a left shoulder disability, which was previously denied due to lack of evidence linking it to his service-connected bilateral pes planus or right ankle disabilities. The case is being returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder arthritis is related to his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal to restore a separate 10 percent rating for residuals of a right trapezius muscle strain is granted. The appeal for an increased rating for a right shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis and acromioclavicular joint arthrosis is remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated at 40 percent since February 14, 2019 to October 23, 2019. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for this condition.,Tinnitus was rated at 10 percent since February 14, 2019 to October 23, 2020. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and a left shoulder disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right shoulder degenerative joint disease as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and arthritis (claimed as rheumatoid arthritis) due to incomplete compliance with previous remands.

The Board has remanded the case due to substantial compliance with its January 2021 remand directives not being accomplished. A new VA examination is required for the right clavicle and bilateral shoulder disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a left shoulder condition and low back condition due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of neck, right arm, and shoulder conditions as secondary to a service-connected L5-S1 spondylolisthesis due to inadequate medical opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder disorder is granted service connection as it relates to her job in the Air Force. The Veteran's TBI claim is denied due to lack of current diagnosis and no evidence linking it to service. Service connection for neck pain is remanded.

The Veteran is granted TDIU effective July 2, 2012. Prior to that date, his service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable.

The Veteran does not have an additional disability of gastrointestinal ailments, including hepatitis C, as a result of VA treatment from 1972 to 1975. The Board finds that the evidence persuasively weighs against granting the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rated at least 70 percent combined throughout, but the Board found that they do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and experience.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for his right shoulder scar was denied.,The Veteran's request for an increased rating to more than 20 percent for his right (major) shoulder rotator cuff tear was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues have been remanded due to incomplete service treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any right foot disorder, right shoulder disorder, right-sided hernia, right foot surgical scars, and right lower extremity nerve disorder. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.