Shoulder decisions — 2023

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for left ankle, back, neck, and right shoulder impairments have been granted. The case has also been remanded for further evaluation of service connection claims.

The Veteran's asthma is granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure to burn pits and other toxic substances during service, as per the PACT Act. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for his left shoulder strain and left ankle sprain have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal through his representative.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck disability, right shoulder/arm condition, and right clavicle condition due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to his service or secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of his lumbar spine disability is denied. Service connection for left and right shoulder disabilities is also denied. A TDIU is granted effective April 2, 2019.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease was rated at 100% from November 1, 2011 to February 1, 2012. From January 13, 2015 to November 5, 2015, and from March 1, 2016 to January 18, 2018, the Veteran's coronary artery disease was rated at 60%. The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disorder was rated at 30% prior to August 9, 2010. From August 9, 2010, the Veteran's GERD was rated at 40%. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20% prior to July 13, 2010 and at 40% thereafter. The Veteran's right humerus condition, residuals of a right shoulder dislocation with degenerative arthritis (DA), and bilateral knee conditions were all rated at 20%. SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status was denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, bilateral foot, and left knee conditions. However, these claims are still remanded as new VA examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are related to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder disability, but remanded the claims for right foot and left knee disabilities due to inadequate examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of VA examinations and incomplete medical records. The issues include back, neck, bilateral shoulder, and bilateral knee disabilities as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's left shoulder condition, including osteoarthritis and separation of the AC joint, has been rated at 20 percent since service connection in February 2017. The VA examiner found that a remand is necessary to assess the current severity of his symptoms due to potential flare-ups not being captured during the examination.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, right upper extremity peripheral nerve, and left upper extremity peripheral nerve disabilities. The evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether these conditions were incurred during active duty service.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder and knee disabilities, as well as bilateral foot disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active service or secondary to her service-connected lumbar spine disability.,There is no persuasive medical evidence linking the appellant’s current diagnoses of right and left shoulder strains, right and left knee osteoarthritis, and right and left foot degenerative arthritis and heel spurs to her military service.

The Board denied service connection for neck and right shoulder disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus between these conditions and active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip and shoulder disabilities have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's GERD and PTSD have been granted service connection, with a 70% disability rating for PTSD. The right wrist scar issue was denied, but the TDIU claim due to PTSD alone has been granted.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea, right shoulder condition, and eating disorder due to service-connected PTSD. The remaining issues of upper left extremity disability (due to a service-connected left shoulder), tension headaches, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to procedural errors and the need for additional medical examinations. The issues include psychiatric disorders, cognitive conditions, thrombocytopenia, tinnitus, hypertension, foot conditions, knee conditions, and shoulder conditions.

The Veteran's claims for left-ear hearing loss and right-ear hearing loss have been granted. Claims for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, left shoulder disorder, low back disorder, and acquired mental disorder (PTSD) are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted the veteran's TDIU claim since November 20, 2008. The case is remanded for consideration of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to November 20, 2008.