Shoulder decisions — 2023

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues related to service connection and increased ratings for various disabilities. The appeal is dismissed as a result.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,The Veteran's back scar is rated at a noncompensable rate under Diagnostic Code 7805, but her pain warrants a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7804. The effective date of April 6, 2017, has been granted for both ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have resulted in a combined rating of 80 percent. The Board has granted a TDIU rating from March 25, 2020.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 50 percent effective March 23, 2020.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip and left hip disabilities, but denied service connection for a right shoulder disability. The Veteran's current hip disabilities are found to be related to his military service due to physical training exercises during service.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder is granted a rating of 100 percent prior to September 9, 2019. His left shoulder disability remains rated at 20 percent.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for right carpal tunnel syndrome and remanded the issue of a rating in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder impingement syndrome.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient notice and potential need for a medical examination, as some service records are unavailable.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC beginning December 5, 2019.

The Veteran's hypercholesterolemia is not a disability for VA purposes, and there is no evidence of current hemorrhoids or bilateral shin splints.,Pending determinations on the right foot condition, gout, conjunctivitis of the right eye, facial injury, migraine headaches, left ankle condition, obstructive sleep apnea, and left knee condition.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial disability ratings in several conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn all his pending appeals.

The Veteran's right shoulder, left knee, and back disabilities were granted separate 10 percent ratings from November 2, 2015 to May 23, 2016. A rating higher than 10 percent for the right shoulder disability was denied during this period.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA medical opinion and a missed VA examination. The Veteran's left shoulder disability is being reviewed again for proper service connection.

The Veteran's right shoulder disabilities, including a rotator cuff tear and labral tear, were incurred during active duty service from January to September 2004. The arthritis was also shown within one year of separation. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to service connection and increased ratings for various disabilities. The Board has determined that a statement of the case must be issued for all matters, including those previously adjudicated in the April 2018 rating decision.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, left arm condition (left shoulder bicipital tendonitis), and cervical spine condition (cervical strain). The appeals are now remanded to determine if these conditions are related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine stenosis, headache, and left shoulder arthritis as the evidence did not show these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to June 13, 2014 was denied as there is not sufficient evidence to substantiate a reasonable possibility that he was unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of multiple joints are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Board has identified several issues that must be addressed, including those related to RA of the cervical spine, right and left shoulders, and wrists.