Shoulder decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disorder, fibromyalgia, right and left ankle disorders due to incomplete compliance with its previous remand instructions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and torn rotator cuff of the right shoulder are being remanded due to inadequate opinions in the previous VA examinations.

The Board has determined that a VA examination and opinion are necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed left shoulder disability and sleep apnea, as well as whether they are related to his active military service. The appeal is being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, but has remanded them for further development. The issues of service connection are now pending.

Service connection is granted for head injury residuals and the Veteran's left shoulder disability is remanded.

The Veteran's request for a higher rating for his service-connected left shoulder disability is remanded due to the need for new VA examination and treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand three issues related to the Veteran's right shoulder, right wrist, and left wrist pain. The reasons for this are that there is conflicting medical evidence regarding whether these conditions may be due to an undiagnosed illness or service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a right shoulder disability, diagnosed as right shoulder strain, is granted. The effective date of the grant has not been determined.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on his service-connected left shoulder injury, cervical spine disability, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity were denied. The current ratings are 20 percent for each condition.

The Veteran's entitlement to a TDIU was denied for the period from December 11, 2012 to April 1, 2014 and granted for the period from April 2, 2014 to January 25, 2016. The issue of TDIU beginning January 26, 2016 is dismissed due to the Veteran's 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his left knee and right shoulder conditions, made him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of May 13, 2013. He also received SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right shoulder arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service due to continuous symptoms since separation.

The Board has determined that the VA did not substantially comply with its remand directives and requires further development for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various orthopedic disabilities, including bilateral eye disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left shoulder disorders, including rotator cuff tear and impingement with acromioclavicular arthritis.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate development and review of his diagnosed conditions, including shoulder arthritis, hip arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, and chronic constipation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and neck disorders, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various upper extremity and shoulder disabilities, as well as a headache disorder. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory, right knee, left shoulder, and right shoulder conditions have been remanded due to insufficient examination reports.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder impingement syndrome and left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis are service-connected, with the opinion favoring the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the VA's duty to assist requires a remand for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder disability.