Shoulder decisions — 2024

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis prior to July 20, 2023 is denied. The right shoulder and sleep apnea issues are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of various issues, including service connection claims and a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of GERD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to unresolved issues regarding his claimed disabilities, including fatigue, memory loss, headaches, sleep apnea, and bilateral shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee pain. The remand requires additional medical opinions on etiology and whether these conditions are related to toxic exposure during military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for osteoarthritis status post joint replacement, left hip and right shoulder disability are granted. The claim for a compensable rating for the right thumb laceration scar is denied.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received, granting the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder arthritis disorder.,The appeal as to the claim of entitlement to service connection for left knee arthritis is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder strain and left shoulder strain, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation (TTE) for left shoulder surgery based on convalescence due to incomplete information regarding his service and associated STRs. The case is also remanded for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's rotator cuff tear was related to his service-connected left shoulder tendinitis/osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of left knee instability and service connection for bilateral shoulder disability are remanded due to insufficient examination, missing treatment records, and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left shoulder malunion of the clavicle due to arthritis has been granted, and his evaluation for left shoulder impairment of the humerus has been withdrawn.

The Board has granted a temporary 100% rating for the Veteran's left shoulder with special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound criteria, effective October 12, 2021.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for disabilities of the cervical spine, bilateral elbows, bilateral shoulders, and bilateral wrists as there is no evidence of a current disability or an in-service event that could be linked to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck, left shoulder, and right shoulder disabilities due to incomplete medical opinions based on the absence of treatment records post-service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for his right knee, lumbar spine, left shoulder, and right ankle disabilities are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions. The AOJ must obtain new VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to his service-connected left knee chondromalacia.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hiatal hernia, left shoulder disorder, neck disorder, and sinusitis. The decision also remanded several issues related to knee conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition, but the claims for left shoulder and cervical spine conditions are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted effective dates of May 2, 2018 for service connection on all five conditions: intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis of the spine, right shoulder strain, hypertension, right Achilles' tendon tear, and radiculopathy, right lower extremity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities, particularly those related to injuries sustained during INACDUTRA in June 2004.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased ratings for major depressive disorder, right shoulder impingement, and left shoulder impingement. The appeal regarding an earlier effective date for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was also dismissed.

The appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection for COPD, residuals of tuberculosis, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The left shoulder disorder rating remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for further development.,The effective dates for increased disability ratings are denied as there is no factual basis for an earlier date.