Shoulder decisions — 2023

The Veteran's tinnitus began during service and has continued since then.,The Veteran contends his left wrist disorder is related to active duty. The VA examiner opined the condition was not caused by or a result of his military service.,The Veteran contends his right wrist disorder is related to active duty. The VA examiner opined the condition was not caused by or a result of his military service.,The Veteran contends his thoracolumbar disorder is related to active duty. The VA examiner opined the condition was not caused by or a result of his military service.,The Veteran contends his right shoulder disorder is related to active duty. The VA examiner opined the condition was not caused by or a result of his military service.,The Veteran contends his TMJ disorder is related to active duty. The VA examiner opined the condition was not caused by or a result of his military service.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as bilateral upper and lower extremity radiculopathies, are granted. The Veteran's right shoulder disability and right knee disability remain in dispute.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to receipt of additional VA medical evidence. The AOJ is instructed to consider this new evidence and provide notice with an opportunity to respond.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, back disability, right knee and left knee disabilities, right thumb/hand disorders, right elbow and ankle disabilities, left hip strain, neck disability, and left shoulder disability due to additional development being required.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a stomach disorder due to chemical and/or asbestos exposure. The VA examinations did not find any current stomach disorder.,Further examination is needed to determine if the Veteran currently suffers from a stomach disorder, and if so, whether it is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions, including left thumb fracture, lumbar and cervical spine conditions, right shoulder and knee conditions, ankle and foot conditions, and GERD are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the receipt of additional evidence.,Service connection for PFB is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for sciatica of the left and right lower extremities, as well as his cervical spine disability, headache disability, shoulder disabilities, joint pain, and sleep apnea are all remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.,The Board cannot make a fully informed decision on these claims without additional medical opinions addressing the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a reduction in rating and TDIU due to his service-connected cervical strain with arthritis, right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, and inability to work. The issues are being remanded as new VA examinations are needed.

The Board has remanded several claims for service connection due to the need to determine the exact nature of the Veteran's active service, including periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA. The Veteran is also requested to provide his complete SSA record.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left shoulder rotator cuff tears, finding that the Veteran's in-service work likely caused his current disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety with depression has been reopened and granted. The claims for service connection for a left eye disorder, peripheral vascular disease of the bilateral lower extremity, bilateral leg orthopedic disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, bilateral knee disorder, back disorder, bilateral foot disorder, arthritis of the shoulders, arthritis of the neck, sinus disorder, right eye disorder (glaucoma and cataract), erectile dysfunction, and heart disorder have been denied.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions and benefits have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate these claims as they are not about service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his muscle group IV shoulder and girdle muscle injury, residuals of gunshot wound to right upper chest, has been dismissed as the Veteran requested to withdraw the issue from appeal.

The Board has dismissed all appeals related to service connection for various conditions as the Veteran requested withdrawal of these appeals prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines are granted a 50% rating, effective February 8, 2016. The appeals for increased initial ratings for left shoulder and low back conditions are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical opinions and further development is required.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient examination reports and incomplete medical records.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of left shoulder, elbow, thigh/groin, knee, and ankle disabilities due to lack of current disability. The back and pulmonary disorder claims are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right shoulder condition is related to or aggravated by his service-connected atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.