Shoulder decisions — 2024

The Veteran is granted a temporary total disability rating based on the need for convalescence following surgery associated with his thoracolumbar spine discogenic disease from October 1, 2018, to January 31, 2019.,SMC at the housebound rate is also granted from October 1, 2018, to January 31, 2019. However, further review of his need for aid and attendance and loss of use of extremities is required due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on his right shoulder and right inguinal hernia with residual scar have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims. The Board has also remanded cases regarding left knee disability, including limitation of flexion, instability, and extension.

The Veteran's service-connected shell fragment wounds to the right upper extremity and shoulder have been rated as 10 percent disabling prior to October 17, 2019, and 30 percent thereafter. The Board finds that these ratings are not warranted due to moderate impairment of muscle groups I and VIII.,The Veteran's service-connected shell fragment wound to the right shoulder has also been rated as 10 percent disabling throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee, left leg, and bilateral shoulder disabilities made him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation by January 30, 2008.

The Board has decided that the issue of whether the Veteran's right elbow tendonitis is related to his service-connected disabilities, including osteoarthritis of the shoulder and radiculopathy, needs further clarification. The case is being remanded for an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle, left shoulder, and jaw disabilities. Service connection for hepatitis C is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and a right shoulder disorder, finding that the Veteran did not have these conditions during or within one year after his military service, and there was no evidence linking them to his service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for his back, left arm, left shoulder, and left elbow disabilities as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including low back disability, right and left knee disabilities, left foot disability, headaches secondary to PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of upper extremities, herpes, cervical spine disability (secondary to PTSD), right and left hip pain, and hypertension. The only condition granted was an acquired psychiatric condition (PTSD, depression, anxiety and other stressor related disorder).

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability as secondary to service-connected rib disability and granted a 20 percent rating for left ankle disability, excluding periods of temporary total ratings.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development due to the submission of new evidence, including VA treatment records and examination reports. The Veteran did not respond to a request to waive review by the AOJ.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left shoulder disability and left upper extremity paresthesias are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the extent of limitations and functional impairment attributable to flare-ups.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and missing service treatment records. The Veteran's right shoulder disability is being reviewed again for proper medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and medical opinion regarding his claimed shoulder disabilities and cold injury residuals. The AOJ will also consider any evidence added since the December 2022 Supplemental Statement of the Case in connection with the issue of service connection for residuals of cold injury to the bilateral feet.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of multiple conditions, including psychiatric disorders and hearing loss. The Board dismissed the appeals as a result.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been granted. The Veteran now receives a rating of 10 percent for right knee instability, 20 percent for PTSD, 30 percent for restless leg syndrome, and 30 percent for GERD from the dates specified.

The Board has dismissed all appeals to readjudicate service connection for various conditions due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's right and left shoulder disabilities were granted service connection effective September 21, 2020.,However, the claims for higher initial ratings remain denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, hypertension, shoulder conditions, and migraines, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from February 4, 2020 to November 18, 2021.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar spine disability and right shoulder condition as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a relationship to service.