Shoulder decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left shoulder arthritis. The AOJ must obtain an adequate medical opinion that addresses the Veteran's left shoulder arthritis before returning this matter to the Board.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person due to incomplete or inadequate medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of arthritis of the back, bilateral hips, and bilateral shoulders due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection based on exposure to herbicide agents or other presumptive diseases.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and DMII were reopened due to new evidence. The right ankle disability appeal was dismissed as the benefit sought has been granted in full. Service connection for dyslipidemia was denied because it is not a qualifying disability for VA purposes. Other issues are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for her left shoulder disability, finding that there was no evidence showing a direct link between her in-service injury and current conditions. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support secondary service connection due to her right shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected asthma and his claimed conditions, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, right knee condition, low back condition, and right shoulder condition. The VA is requested to obtain new opinions addressing these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, and respiratory disorder (sinusitis) due to insufficient evidence in the record. The issues are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, headaches, hypertension, sleep apnea, and psychiatric disorders, were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and left shoulder disabilities are remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left foot, right hip, and right shoulder conditions due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's pituitary tumor and right shoulder condition are remanded for further examination and opinion due to a duty to assist error. The PACT Act does not apply as the conditions do not involve toxic exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeals for further development due to incomplete examinations and inconsistencies in the medical evidence. The appeals include claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities, as well as a claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the grant of service connection for a right shoulder rotator cuff tear and post-operative right shoulder arthroscopy residual scar was based on clear and unmistakable error, and thus the appeal is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since August 9, 2017.

The Board has denied service connection for various knee, back, neck, shoulder, and foot disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to the lack of evidence showing a current disability. The claims for right foot, left shoulder, lower back, and left foot conditions are remanded as there is insufficient evaluation in the record.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal in its entirety prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation of his right shoulder strain, as well as for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's service connection claims for GERD, cataracts, sleep apnea, umbilical hernia, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, and right shoulder disorder are all granted.

The claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed before a final decision can be made.