Shoulder decisions — 2023

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current right shoulder condition is related to his service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome with lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis of the spine, specifically a December 1973 in-service injury. The Veteran needs an addendum opinion from a VA clinician.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding medical records and further examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 0 percent, and his left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent. Both conditions are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability has been rated as 20 percent disabling under DC 5201. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The claims for right shoulder, right knee, and back disabilities have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence.,The claim for bladder incontinence disability is being remanded as it does not involve service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a chronic left shoulder disability and right shoulder limitation of motion were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting these claims on any basis, including direct service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder. The case is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an examination to determine if the Veteran's right upper extremity disability, including his use of crutches for a service-connected left knee disability, is related to his active duty service or secondary to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected left shoulder tendinitis is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and an examination.

The Board has granted reconsideration of the previously denied claims for service connection for a left knee condition and a right shoulder condition, but these claims are still pending as they have been remanded due to missing medical records.

The Board denied service connection for right and left shoulder disorders, finding that the conditions did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of discharge from service and were not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability is granted, and his PTSD is granted at a 50% evaluation. The Veteran's PTSD does not warrant an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities, as they are related to his service-connected right shoulder disability. The VA will obtain all relevant medical records and provide a new opinion from an appropriate examiner.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed disabilities, particularly knee, back, shoulder, heart, TBI, and headache. Additional development is required including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, and therefore, the claim is denied.,For the remaining claims, the Board finds insufficient evidence to determine whether any of these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder disability and low back disability due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional medical records, including x-rays, and a supplemental statement of the case will be issued.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is related to medication prescribed for his service-connected migraines and tinnitus, while the other conditions are not shown in service or for many years thereafter and are otherwise unrelated to his active-duty service.

The Board has denied service connection for various disabilities including right arm, left shoulder, right shoulder, lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee conditions. The reasons include lack of in-service evidence of injury or disease, inconsistent statements regarding treatment during service, and the absence of a medical nexus between current disability and service.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder, right knee, and lower back conditions due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's time in active military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is granted, while claims for allergic rhinitis, right eye condition, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, back injury, left knee disability, and hypertension are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis on a secondary basis due to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The issue of service connection for left shoulder disability, other than left shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and left upper extremity radiculopathy is remanded.