Shoulder decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 24, 2018 for the grant of service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tear and tendonitis, tenosynovitis, and AC joint arthrosis was denied as there were no pending claims between the last final denial in August 2010 and the current effective date January 24, 2018.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating, including obtaining missing service treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding when the Veteran became unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation and whether he needs aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding his claimed disabilities and their relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the remand instructions were not substantially complied with, and thus the claims for service connection are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and left shoulder disorder. The Veteran will need to provide information about his medical history, including any treatment records from healthcare providers who have treated him for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for back disability and right shoulder disability, but remanded the claim for tinea pedis due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's right shoulder surgical scar is granted a disability rating of 10 percent due to pain, but no limitation of motion or function.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The other claims, including those related to left and right lower extremity neuropathy, are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted.,Service connection is also granted for an unspecified trauma related disorder, which the examiner opined was at least as likely as not caused by in-service hyperventilation syndrome.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left shoulder disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's private treatment records and to schedule him for a DRO hearing. The claims are being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education, training, and work history.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the shoulder disability at 20 percent. The Board finds that these ratings are appropriate.,For both conditions, the evidence does not support a higher rating as there is no indication of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's request to reopen a previously denied claim of service connection for a neck disability is granted, and she is also granted service connection for cervical strain with intervertebral disc syndrome and left upper extremity radiculopathy. The claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability is remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability has been rated at 30 percent from September 1, 2010, to March 5, 2015. The Board found that the Veteran's limitation of motion between side and shoulder level warranted a 30 percent rating under DC 5201.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of bilateral hand or shoulder disabilities, and thus denied service connection for these conditions. The case is being remanded to obtain updated treatment records and an accurate employment history.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, but further evaluations are needed to determine the appropriate ratings and effective dates.