Shoulder decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right shoulder disabilities due to incomplete evidentiary record, including missing military records from his second period of active duty. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's right shoulder scar was not found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it did not result in underlying soft tissue damage, covered an area of 929 square centimeters or greater, was unstable or painful, or resulted in any disabling effects.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of right shoulder bursitis, left shoulder bursitis, and low back condition due to the Veteran's death.

The Board granted a TDIU rating from July 9, 2016 to December 22, 2017 due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities of PTSD, IHD, right shoulder disability, right knee disability, and tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to lack of new and relevant evidence.

The Board has granted an effective date of May 30, 1997 for the grant of service connection for a left shoulder disability. The original claim was filed on that date.

The Veteran's repetitive minor strain injuries to the shoulders, knees, and elbows, as well as his left shoulder injury (diagnosed as occult fracture of greater tuberosity of the humerus), are granted service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various disorders are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was received after the issuance of the Statement of the Case (SOC) and requires further review by the AOJ. The claims for service connection are being remanded to allow for this additional consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate analysis of medical opinions in the September 2021 decision, specifically regarding a left shoulder disorder. The Veteran's claim is now pending for further review.

The Veteran's appeals for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,Specifically, the Board is requesting complete medical opinions with detailed rationales citing appropriate medical principles for each disability and prong of these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right shoulder and right ankle disability due to incomplete development in the prior appeal.

The Veteran's claims for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing records and medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right shoulder strain and tendinopathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in service.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and consideration. The Veteran's left shoulder condition requires a new examination to assess the severity of his flare-ups. His cervical spine condition must be evaluated in relation to his service-connected left shoulder condition. An addendum opinion is needed regarding the acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as an assessment of polyuria and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's cervical spine condition needs a new examination that addresses whether it is secondary to his service-connected left shoulder impingement syndrome. A new opinion on the acquired psychiatric disorder must be provided, considering the Veteran's contentions about insomnia, adjustment disorder, and depression.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder needs a new examination that addresses whether it is related to his service. An addendum opinion should be provided regarding polyuria and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's kidney condition, claimed as kidney cancer, requires an addendum opinion addressing the relationship between his in-service stone removal and current issues. A new examination is needed for renal insufficiency and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. An addendum opinion should be provided regarding polyuria and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder needs a new examination that addresses whether it occurred in service or is related to his service-connected conditions. A new opinion on polyuria and hypertension must also be provided.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. An addendum opinion should be provided regarding the relationship between the Veteran's headaches and his service-connected shoulder condition, as well as whether it is caused by or aggravated by any other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder labrum tear and left facial nerve palsy are granted as secondary to their respective service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for sarcoidosis, right shoulder disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea due to potential service connection based on Gulf War exposure. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to incomplete service personnel records and a need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to chronic headaches, left shoulder disorder, left hand disorder, right hip disorder, and left hip disorder have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims can be adjudicated due to outstanding VA treatment records and potential TERA exposure. The claims for service connection are being remanded for additional examinations and medical opinions.