Shoulder decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete development, including the need for updated VA treatment records and examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left shoulder, and thoracolumbar spine disabilities have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, these claims remain denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking any current disability to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to inadequate statements of reasons and bases, as well as insufficient examinations. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to assess his current level of impairment with regard to his service-connected left shoulder disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records, potential x-ray studies, and additional medical opinions.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability due to his withdrawal of the appeal. The remaining issues are remanded and will be reviewed by the VA.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for further action regarding his claim of entitlement to a TDIU. The Board finds that the evidence does not show he meets the schedular criteria for assignment of a TDIU, including on the basis of disabilities affecting a single body system (orthopedic), during the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed as he withdrew his claims. The Board has also remanded several issues including low back, right knee, left knee, cervical spine, OSA, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for right shoulder and right knee disabilities, as well as for migraines and sleep apnea. The claims for migraines and sleep apnea are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his left shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU from January 1, 2021 onward due to his service-connected disabilities. However, the TDIU claim for the period March 19, 2012 to November 24, 2019 is denied as he had substantially gainful employment during this time.

The Veteran's initial ratings for right shoulder recurrent dislocation and limitation of flexion have been remanded due to the progression of his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the claim for a TDIU due to its potential connection with service-connected disabilities, and it is recommended that the case be reconsidered in light of these new developments.

The Board has granted the reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issues regarding vertigo, bilateral pes planus, right shoulder disorder, asthma, left knee arthralgia, and right ankle condition. The case is being sent back to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and left shoulder strain, finding that the Veteran's preexisting conditions were aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids with hematochezia and a left shoulder disability, claimed as residuals of a left shoulder injury and variously claimed as secondary to service-connected right shoulder disability are being remanded due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and new lay testimony.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of effective date, disability rating, and TDIU. The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder dislocation with rotator cuff tear remains on appeal.

The Board has denied service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD. The Veteran's claims for a left shoulder disability and rheumatoid arthritis are remanded for further development. A compensable rating is also remanded for the Veteran's linear porokeratosis of the left hand.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Veteran's right shoulder, neck, left knee, and acid reflux conditions are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, leading to a denial of the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the timeliness of his notice of disagreement was granted, and the underlying claim for service connection is reinstated.