Shoulder decisions — 2022

The Board has denied service connection for left shoulder and right knee disabilities, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between the current disabilities and active duty service.,Further development is needed to determine if any other conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for issues related to surgical scars post bilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy and service connection for a left arm condition. The remaining claims of entitlement to increased ratings for shoulder disabilities, inguinal hernia, pes planus, and leg conditions are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of PTSD was granted. The issues of entitlement to increased disability ratings for headaches, left shoulder DJD and tendonitis, osteoarthritis and chondromalacia of the left knee, and osteoarthritis and chondromalacia of the right knee are remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current right shoulder disability and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left shoulder strain do not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent, as their range of motion does not warrant such an increase.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to additional development and examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, right hip condition, and right shoulder condition due to a lack of VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability, diabetes mellitus type II, and OSA due to conflicting opinions from previous examiners. The Veteran is also seeking TDIU which is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was denied as he did not meet the criteria for such benefits due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran did not have anatomical loss or use of both feet, nor was he blind in both eyes, permanently bedridden, or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and assistance from another person.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for left wrist, right shoulder, and left shoulder disabilities is granted. The cases are remanded for further development including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back disorder and a right shoulder disorder due to the Veteran's unavailability for VA examinations. The issues are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, left hip, and left shoulder conditions have been granted. The claim for service connection for lumbar spine condition has also been granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and left shoulder disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The cases will be returned to the RO for further review.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of cervical spine, lumbar spine, and right shoulder disorders due to a lack of evidence showing that these conditions arose during or as a result of his active military service.,No secondary service connection was granted as the Veteran's claimed conditions were not found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip and shoulder injuries have been granted. The claim for service connection for a left ankle injury has been denied.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5203. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for his right shoulder disability, finding that it is less likely than not caused or aggravated by his service-connected left foot metatarsalgia fracture.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at a maximum of 30 percent, effective September 1, 2006. The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of his left shoulder disability was granted. Appeals for the other issues were dismissed.