Shoulder decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions provided are insufficient and requires additional examination to determine if the Veteran's left shoulder, knee, and arm disabilities are aggravated by his service-connected back disability. The examiner must also address whether the pain experienced in a 2003 fall was caused by the fall itself or the service-connected back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral toe and foot disabilities, as well as a left shoulder disability due to potential issues with medical opinions and need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 10 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating. The TDIU claim was granted.,The Veteran meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder disorder. The Veteran is asked to provide additional evidence and argument.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU from January 1, 2020 as he was found to be substantially gainfully employed after March 15, 2021.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left arm disability due to incomplete compliance with previous remand instructions and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's liver disorder, bilateral knee disorders, bilateral ankle disorders, right shoulder disorder, gout, and diabetes mellitus are all denied as service connection due to lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and active service.,Service connection for the Veteran's liver disorder is denied because there is no current diagnosis of a liver disorder and no evidence linking it to service. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current liver disability, and thus cannot establish service connection.

The Veteran's appeal of the issues related to obstructive sleep apnea, hepatitis C, allergies, perforated ear drum, vision disability, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spine, and shoulder disabilities has been withdrawn. The remaining issues have been remanded for further development.

The Board has granted reimbursement for the medical expenses incurred by the Veteran at Carthage Area Hospital on September 9, 2008, to September 10, 2008, due to his service-connected conditions and the emergency nature of his syncopal episodes.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder condition and hypertension, both of which are related to injuries sustained during periods of active duty for training.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for aid and attendance and housebound status due to insufficient evidence showing he is rendered permanently homebound or in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right shoulder disorders due to incomplete medical records, inability of the Veteran to communicate with VA, and failure to schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for left shoulder strain has been dismissed due to their death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various conditions, including left shoulder disability, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's right and left shoulder disorders are granted service connection as they had their onset on active duty. The claims of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal of an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder prior to July 27, 2022 is remanded.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for left lateral femoral neuropathy and right lateral femoral neuropathy are remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for left shoulder surgery scars is remanded.,The Veteran's appeal of an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for left shoulder nerve damage is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for sleep apnea is remanded.,The Veteran's appeals of ratings in excess of 20 percent for the residuals of left (minor) shoulder surgery based upon limitation of motion and impairment of the humerus are remanded.,The Veteran's appeal of a rating in excess of 10 percent for sciatic neuropathy of the left lower extremity is remanded.

The Veteran's initial rating for dislocation of the left shoulder is denied, and a 20 percent rating is granted from April 16, 2016. The appeal on service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to lack of adequate medical opinions. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, left knee, right knee, left foot, and back conditions due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 1, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection and increased rating for arthritis, right knee disability, and right shoulder disability due to a lack of approval from the State Approving Agency (SAA) for the private pilot course at MidCoast Aviation. The claim was not dependent on education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.