Shoulder decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to June 25, 2014, did not render him unemployable due to the combined rating of 50% which does not meet the schedular requirement for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The reduction in the rating assigned for hypothyroidism, degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder with rotator cuff tear, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine were granted. TDIU based on service-connected disabilities other than hypothyroidism was granted effective from February 23, 2015 to September 19, 2019, and special monthly compensation based on housebound status was granted effective February 23, 2015.

All service connection claims for various conditions are dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to issues with the rating decisions, including concerns about the use of Diagnostic Codes and the need for retrospective medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for left-shoulder disorder, jaw disorder (including TMJ dysfunction), and right-knee disorder due to additional relevant evidence being added to the record.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II (DM), and diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The issues of entitlement for the right hip condition, lumbar strain, and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left shoulder, ventral hernia, and hemorrhoid disabilities due to inadequate VA medical opinions and incomplete treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to inadequate VA examinations, and no rating assigned or effective date provided.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits have been dismissed as he withdrew his claims for abdominal injury, tuberculosis, spots on the lungs, and kidney disorder. The remaining issues of cervical spine DDD, right shoulder neuritis, pelvis fracture residuals, right leg disorder, left leg disorder, right hip disorder, and left hip disorder were denied.

The Veteran's left foot pes planus was granted a higher rating, but his secondary service connection for the left shoulder condition to his right shoulder condition is granted. The claim for an increased rating for left foot pes planus prior to May 29, 2015, and entitlement to TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions was dismissed. Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but the issues of right and left elbow disabilities, ankle trauma, sleep apnea, eye trauma, and a left shoulder disability were withdrawn by the Veteran prior to decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, TMJ, and various musculoskeletal conditions have been denied. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for these conditions are also denied.,Additionally, the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus has been denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left knee arthritis, lower back injury, and right shoulder arthritis due to a lack of notations in service treatment records and the need for further medical examination.

The Board has denied service connection for residuals of a head injury, left hip disability, right hip disability, left elbow disability, left hand disability, right hand disability, and right shoulder disability. The evidence does not support the Veteran's claims that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for thrombophlebitis, right lower extremity was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The left ankle, bilateral knee, and right shoulder disabilities were denied as not related to active service.,The decision does not specify a reasoning factor or confidence level.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for a right shoulder disability due to inadequate VA examination opinions and the need for further development.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's left shoulder condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment since September 28, 2019.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 20 percent rating for right shoulder DJD with impairment of the humerus, effective May 23, 2017, as the reduction was improper due to procedural issues.