Shoulder decisions — 2023

The Veteran withdrew their appeals regarding the service connection for lower back disability, left shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, and a compensable rating for hemorrhoids.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder conditions are a result of his April 2010 incident with the MRI scanner, and this additional disability was not caused by VA's care. The decision grants compensation for these disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches was denied as the evidence did not support a link between his current condition and service or a service-connected disability.,The claims for increased ratings of low back and left shoulder disabilities were denied due to the Veteran's failure to attend scheduled VA examinations without good cause. ,The request for an earlier effective date for the award of an increased rating for the left shoulder disability was also denied as there is no evidence of a factually ascertainable increase in symptoms within one year prior to the Veteran's intent to file.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional medical opinions regarding the onset of various conditions during or as a result of military service.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with its August 2022 remand and another remand is necessary for the Veteran's left wrist, bilateral knees and arms, right shoulder conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding secondary service connection for right shoulder disability. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with a new examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for PTSD, lumbar spine disability, left shoulder bicipital tendonitis, right hip disability, and left hip disability. The issues are still pending as a statement of the case addressing these matters has not been issued.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate prior VA examinations and opinions, as well as the need for additional workers compensation records. The Veteran's right shoulder disability is being evaluated again with a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder condition and bilateral knee conditions due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to toxic chemicals during his active duty. The Veteran must provide additional lay statements or objective medical evidence to support his claim of exposure, and if found credible, he will be scheduled for a VA TERA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for a back disability and right knee disability, both related to his service-connected left knee disability. The claim for secondary service connection of a left shoulder disability is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals to reopen service connection for right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, sleep apnea, and gout have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for hypertension, left hand disability, right hand disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and right shoulder disability due to additional evidentiary development. The Veteran's service treatment records show multiple injuries during his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right groin strain, and left shoulder condition. The claim seeking entitlement to an initial rating greater than 10 percent for right groin strain was dismissed without prejudice. The claim seeking entitlement to a service connection for a bilateral knee condition is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim for another examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and to secure opinions addressing the combined effects of all service-connected disabilities on his occupational functioning. The AOJ must also obtain private treatment records and secure TDIU-related opinions from an appropriate clinician.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of right shoulder and right hand disabilities have been dismissed.,The reduction of the 30 percent rating for chronic sinusitis from June 2016 to noncompensable effective January 1, 2019 was not proper.

The Veteran's tinnitus and right shoulder disability are granted service connection. The Veteran's hemorrhoids and jaw disability claims are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's right shoulder impingement syndrome is granted a 40 percent rating, but his right shoulder scar remains at zero percent.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with DDD and cervical spondylosis, and left shoulder strain with impingement syndrome.

Service connection is granted for thrombosis of the left axillary and subclavian vein. The Board also finds that service connection is warranted for degenerative joint disease of the right ankle, left ankle, left shoulder, right shoulder, epicondylitis of the left elbow, epicondylitis of the right elbow, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine. Service connection was not granted for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, left lower extremity, right upper extremity, or left upper extremity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left shoulder disability, finding no evidence to support a relationship between his current condition and any period of military service.