Shoulder decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder (claimed as an upper back disorder), lumbar spine disorder, and migraine headaches. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that it is more likely than not related to his in-service injury during Army Basic Combat Training.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 30 percent is not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability and sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right shoulder condition, finding that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between his current condition and an injury during service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed right and left shoulder disorders, as there is insufficient evidence to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's back disorder, neck disorder, right shoulder disorder, left elbow disorder, and left knee disorder have been granted evaluations. The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy have also been granted evaluations. An effective date of September 30, 2020 has been established for these service connection awards.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of drainage of a left shoulder abscess, including glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis and scarring. The decision finds that the Veteran's current disability is related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is entitled to a temporary total rating based on the need for convalescence following surgery, effective December 1, 2017, to April 30, 2018. The appeal regarding hospital treatment or observation for more than 21 days remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted.,Service connection is granted for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, but not for a right shoulder disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, left knee disability, right shoulder disability, and headaches. The decision is based on the Veteran's consistent complaints of pain since separation from service and supportive medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's low back condition and right shoulder condition are being remanded for additional development of medical evidence.,The Veteran's skin condition (claimed as genital herpes) is also being remanded for additional development of medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete VA examinations, lack of relevant Army Reserve records, and potential service connection based on weight gain.

The Veteran's appeals for cervical spine, bilateral knee, and bilateral ankle disorders have been dismissed. Service connection has been granted for GERD, hiatal hernia, gastritis, lumbar spine disorder, and bilateral shoulder disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is not about service connection and thus, no rating or effective date is assigned. The issues of service connection for various disabilities are remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues related to his claimed conditions, as the appellant withdrew these claims through their authorized representative.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, right knee disability, and left foot disability was granted with an effective date of December 17, 1997.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for arthritis and bilateral leg disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neck, left shoulder, left ankle, left hip, and left knee disorders due to a lack of in-service treatment records related to the claimed injuries.