Shoulder decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his total right shoulder replacement is being remanded due to the need for clarification of the VA examination and additional development, including obtaining new evidence and an opinion regarding whether his functional limitations equate to 'ankylosis' or its equivalent.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed due to his withdrawal. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a left shoulder condition.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including left shoulder disorder, left foot disorder (not including pes planus), right foot disorder (not including pes planus), right hand disorder, and left hand disorder. The decision is based on direct evidence of a relationship between each condition and the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for pseudofolliculitis barbae, chronic athlete's foot (onychomycosis), left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and right shoulder disability due to the need for additional examinations and treatment records.

The Board has denied service connection for a right shoulder disability and has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for right hip and left hip disabilities, both secondary to a right knee disability.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is not manifested by polyps or greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides. The claim for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.,For the entire period on appeal, the Veteran's left shoulder tendonitis more closely approximates objective pain with range of motion, and range of motion less than 25 degrees from the side. This is the maximum rating under the Diagnostic Code. The claim for an initial compensable rating for left shoulder tendonitis is denied.,The criteria for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for left shoulder tendonitis, from December 22, 2021, have not been met. The claim for a higher rating for left shoulder tendonitis is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected right knee patellofemoral syndrome is manifested by slight lateral instability. The criteria for an initial compensable rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome, limitation of extension, are not met. The claim for a higher rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome, limitation of extension, is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected right knee patellofemoral syndrome is manifested by slight lateral instability. The criteria for a separate 10 percent rating, but no higher, for right knee instability are met. The claim for a separate rating for right knee instability is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for pseudofolliculitis barbae, left shoulder strain, pulmonary emphysema (claimed as respiratory problems), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) require additional development due to a lack of recent VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a right shoulder disability have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,New evidence has not been provided, but the Board is required to reopen the previously denied claims based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his claimed skin disability of the feet, right shoulder disability, and right hip disability. Additional development is needed to clarify the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's right shoulder pain with arthritis and right upper extremity radiculopathy are granted service connection as they were present during his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, and for increased ratings for his right ankle, elbow, and shoulder disabilities are remanded. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The claims have been reopened, but further examination and evidence are needed to determine the nature and etiology of various disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and a need for further medical opinion regarding the Veteran's ability to secure or follow any substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction is dismissed. The Board has remanded multiple issues including service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, sinus disorder, bilateral eye disorder, sleep disorder (including sleep apnea), headache disorder, thyroid disorder, diabetes mellitus, respiratory disorder, back disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, left shoulder disorder, and right shoulder disorder. The Veteran's hypertension appeal is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete medical records and other issues.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, and low back disorders due to inadequate VA medical opinions and failure of the Veteran to attend scheduled examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to difficulties in contacting him and obtaining necessary medical opinions. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's headache condition had its onset in service and has continued unabated since separation. The claim for service connection for a headache disability is granted.

The Veteran's right arm and right wrist disabilities were not incurred in service, as there is no evidence of chronic conditions noted during service or post-service manifestations. The Board found the VA medical opinions to be persuasive and denied service connection on a direct basis.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for a right shoulder disorder and has also granted service connection. However, the rating for the right middle finger injury remains remanded.