Shoulder decisions — 2023

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by impingement syndrome and rotator cuff strain, has not resulted in arm motion limited to midway between the side and shoulder level. As such, a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, left shoulder condition, right shoulder arthritis, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, preclude him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment. The Board granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, right ankle, and left shoulder disorders are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination reports. The Board will seek additional medical opinions to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied across multiple conditions, including migraine headaches, TBI, PTSD, lumbar spine disability, gout, right and left knee disabilities, and left shoulder disability. The maximum schedular rating of 50 percent was granted for migraine headaches, but no higher rating is warranted.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder disability, finding that it was not causally related to his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral shoulder condition, back condition, bilateral knee condition, and bilateral foot condition. Service connection for sleep apnea is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating prior to August 16, 2022 for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for left shoulder disability, cervical strain, and neurological disability (including TBI and/or non-combat related concussion) have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and the need for updated VA medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed. The Board has found that the Veteran withdrew his claims of right toe disability, left shoulder disability, PTSD with PDD, painful scar, anal cyst scar, folliculitis skin rash, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service events and treatment. The appellant is asked to clarify who Ms. K. is, and VA will seek STRs from Fort Knox and NPRC.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his right shoulder strain and depression claims.,His right wrist fracture disability remains rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder arthritis and bone spur, left hand arthritis, right shoulder arthritis, and right hand arthritis as there was no evidence of these conditions during or after the Veteran's active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for dizziness condition/vertigo, low back disorder, left leg/shin disability, right knee disorder, and right shoulder disorder are all granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder is remanded. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder, to include a right trapezoid disorder, is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew them prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder disorder and right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active service. The evidence is at least balanced as to whether these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and right shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran's conditions are etiologically related to his time in service.

The Veteran's death was due to an accidental drug overdose, and he was service connected for scars of the forearm and scalp, a left shoulder disability, and a left knee disability. The appellant filed for DIC benefits in September 2009, which were denied in March 2010. In May 2018, the rating decision granted DIC benefits based on newly obtained service treatment records showing the Veteran's separation examination from two months prior to his death indicated depression and suicidal ideation.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and evaluation due to inadequate findings regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities during flare-ups and on repeated use over time.

The Board has found that the Veteran's left shoulder condition is more likely related to his right shoulder disabilities, and not service. The case is being remanded for further medical development.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, reopening the previously denied claim. The Veteran's PTSD and alcohol use disorder are at least as likely as not related to his military service.