Shoulder decisions — 2022

The appeal for service connection of thoracolumbar spine disorder is dismissed as the RO has already granted it with a full award. The appeals for left knee, cervical spine, and left shoulder disorders are remanded.

The Veteran's initial ratings for right shoulder sprain and back condition have been denied. However, a rating of 40 percent has been granted for the back condition from February 22, 2016.,From June 26, 2014 to February 22, 2016, the Veteran's initial ratings for right shoulder sprain and back condition have not met the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development to determine if the Veteran's right shoulder and bilateral wrist disabilities are related to his military service, including exposure to environmental factors while serving in Southwest Asia.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete examinations, lack of cooperation from the Veteran, and outstanding evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for medical examinations to determine the nature, onset and etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Board denied service connection for various shoulder, elbow, and wrist disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing that these conditions began during the Veteran's period of active duty or were related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder arthritis, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and cataracts due to service-connected dry eye syndrome.,The Veteran's current diagnoses of left shoulder arthritis, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and cataracts were not present during his active duty or related to any in-service injury or disease.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination and the need for additional information regarding the Veteran's right shoulder disorder, including his use of cortisone injections.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right shoulder disability and COPD have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The current 20% rating for the right shoulder is upheld, while a higher rating for COPD remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder bursitis and hemorrhoids, as well as his initial ratings for asthma, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis due to inadequate VA examination reports.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury and left shoulder disorder, but finds that additional evidence is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have also been noted to have worsened since his last VA examination in April 2018, so he needs an updated evaluation. His TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability. The case is remanded for further development regarding the character of discharge and other service connection claims.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for right shoulder, right-hand, and left-hand disorders due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected right ear hearing loss is granted, but with a noncompensable rating.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied.,Gulf War Syndrome is granted.,Service connection for a lower back condition is granted.,Service connection for shin splints and left shoulder condition are granted.,The Veteran's service-connected right ear hearing loss disability remains noncompensable.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied service connection for psychiatric disorder, bilateral flat feet disorder, and left shoulder disability. The appellant's psychiatric disorders are not related to her period of ACDUTRA service. Her bilateral flat feet were noted upon enlistment but did not worsen beyond its natural progression during the ACDUTRA period. Her left shoulder disability is not related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD, right shoulder disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus have made him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 2, 2016. His claim for TDIU has been granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left shoulder scar and bilateral hearing loss were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has determined that further examination and opinion are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, as well as their relationship to service.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability and radiculopathy of the LLE, finding no current disabilities or causal relationship to service-connected conditions.