Shoulder decisions — 2023

The Board has granted reopening of the claims for entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder condition, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and heart condition (claimed as sinus bradycardia). The cases are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's GERD was rated by analogy to Diagnostic Code 7346, resulting in a 10 percent rating. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher 30 percent evaluation under DC 7346. For the left shoulder disability, the Board remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for left shoulder disability prior to June 15, 2011 was denied. From June 15, 2011 onwards, the rating remained at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of her current disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder disability, finding that it is related to his in-service meningococcemia with meningococcus arthritis.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The claims for upper back and right shoulder disabilities are remanded due to incomplete medical records and need further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and cervical spine disorders due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal regarding the increased rating for residuals of left shoulder injury, degenerative arthritis. As a result, the Board dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's left shoulder and right shoulder disorders, as well as his degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and cervical spine disorder are all found to be related to service. The Veteran has been granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disabilities, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral shoulder disabilities, and bilateral knee disabilities are dismissed. The remaining issues of service connection have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, MDD, depression, anxiety, memory problems, TBI residuals, insomnia, gastrointestinal disorder, sinus condition, CFS, loss of smell, morning stiffness and weakness, bilateral eye condition, OSA, and right shoulder disability. The AOJ is instructed to continue developing the claims by obtaining additional VA and private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for arthritis of the spine, bilateral hands/fingers, bilateral hips, bilateral knees, bilateral shoulders, and bilateral wrists, as well as his skin condition claim due to insufficient rationale in the VA examiners' opinions. The AOJ is instructed to seek new opinions that consider the Veteran's MOS and STRs.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination that complies with previous Board directives.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for low back, right ankle, right shoulder, and knee disabilities are remanded due to inadequate nexus opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder conditions are granted. The claim for sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for aching of muscles, bones, and joints as due to in-service exposure to herbicides is remanded. The Board finds that an addendum opinion is needed to address the nature and etiology of his diagnosed conditions, including pain-related disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted as service-connected. The right shoulder, right foot, and left foot disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand directives on the issues for entitlement to an increased rating for his left shoulder. As a result, the Veteran's claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the increased rating for left shoulder restriction, so the case is dismissed.