Shoulder decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, and left hip disabilities due to a lack of VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an inadequate VA examination, specifically lacking range of motion testing in a weight-bearing state.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has granted them. The right shoulder condition, right knee condition, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are all now considered on their merits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to unclear information regarding her service during her injury on July 26, 2000. The issues must be further investigated and verified.

The Veteran's appeal for a temporary total disability rating based on convalescence following an August 2012 left shoulder surgery is denied as the evidence does not support a need for further convalescence beyond December 31, 2012.,The Veteran's appeal for TDIU is also denied as his combined service-connected disability rating did not meet the threshold eligibility requirements at any point during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left shoulder bicipital tendonitis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are being remanded due to lack of recent VA treatment records, need for a new examination, and potential functional loss during flare-ups.

The Veteran's lumbar strain was granted a 40 percent rating prior to February 15, 2022 and denied any higher rating thereafter.,The Veteran's right shoulder strain was granted a 40 percent rating. The left knee osteoarthritis and right knee osteoarthritis were both remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal for COPD and his right shoulder disability have been dismissed as he has withdrawn the appeals through his attorney.

The Veteran's left shoulder tendonitis has been rated at 20 percent since December 28, 2013. The VA Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a recurrent right shoulder disability due to inadequate VA examination and missing service treatment records. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn and dismissed.,Service connection for left knee strain was denied as the evidence does not support an in-service injury or disease, and there is no credible link between current symptoms and service.,Service connection for a bilateral foot disability was denied due to lack of evidence of an in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's testimony about chronic pain during service did not align with contemporaneous records indicating he did not seek treatment for left knee issues.,The Veteran's claim for right shoulder disability, psychiatric disorder (PTSD and major depressive disorder), cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and radiculopathy was remanded as the evidence is insufficient to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the RO did not substantially comply with its remand order and has ordered another remand to ensure proper development of the claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to non-compliance with previous directives and additional development is needed.

The Veteran was granted TDIU from January 31, 2020 to June 28, 2021 due to his service-connected disabilities. Prior to that date and after June 28, 2021, the Veteran's combined disability rating is 100%.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right shoulder strain has been withdrawn by his authorized representative.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU for the entire period prior to December 17, 2019 due to his service-connected disabilities making it at least as likely as not that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues with service connection and increased rating for left shoulder osteoarthritis.

The Board denied service connection for fatigue (CFS) and joint pain (fibromyalgia), finding no persuasive evidence of these conditions separate from the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.,Service connection was also denied for right shoulder joint disability, with the Board concluding that there is no credible persuasive evidence indicating a current disability distinct from his already service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination addressing whether the Veteran's right shoulder disability is aggravated by his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions, including right shoulder impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tendinitis and osteoarthritis; right knee iliotibial band syndrome; recurrent ankle sprain residuals; recurrent hamstring disability; bilateral plantar fasciitis; heel spurs; and hip degenerative arthritis. The appeal for service connection for a left hamstring disability has been withdrawn.