Shoulder decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to January 21, 2016 for service connection of recurrent dislocations and glenohumeral joint and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis with glenohumeral instability, right shoulder. The decision is based on a final denial in December 2001.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and left upper extremity radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service accident. The decision also notes that these disabilities are due to or a complication of his previously service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's left shoulder impingement syndrome and neurological manifestations of the left upper extremity disability have been granted ratings, with the neurological condition receiving a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's applications to reopen claims for left shoulder disability, erectile dysfunction, and migraines have been granted. The claim for hypertension is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disability is granted. The Veteran's claims for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has remanded this issue. Effective March 24, 2007, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings for lumbar strain and right shoulder strain, as well as service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than unspecified anxiety disorder (claimed as depression). The Veteran withdrew his appeal in writing before the decision was made.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder, back, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent disabling due to limitation of motion not reaching midway between side and shoulder level.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and asthma, due to insufficient evidence.,Service connection for hypothyroidism is also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any neck, shoulder, and sciatic disabilities. The Veteran is required to appear for an examination or provide a records-review medical opinion if she does not.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine is granted. The claims for service connection for a mental disorder and right shoulder condition are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.

The appeal as to service connection for hypercholesterolemia is dismissed.,New and material evidence having been received, the previously denied claim of service connection for lumbar strain has been reopened. Service connection for a low back disability (including lumbar strain and degenerative arthritis/degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine) is granted.

The Veteran's initial 10% disability ratings for right and left shoulder osteoarthritis were granted, with the effective date being December 1, 2012.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in obtaining service treatment records and a VA medical opinion, which could impact the determination of whether the Veteran's left shoulder disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss or loss of use of a hand or foot, permanent vision impairment of both eyes, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ankylosis of a knee or hip. Therefore, the Veteran is not eligible for financial assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically failing to obtain VA examinations and medical opinions regarding the current nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's right and left shoulder disabilities, as well as his peripheral neuropathy. The AOJ is also required to readjudicate the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability.

The Veteran's right knee and right shoulder disabilities are granted service connection.,Service connection for a headache disability is denied.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent, but no higher, for the entire period on appeal.