Shoulder decisions — 2024

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted as service-connected due to exposure to toxic substances, including Agent Orange. The left shoulder strain claim remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable disability rating are being remanded due to outstanding medical records, the need for VA examinations, and the requirement of TERA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete STRs and the need for additional development.

The Veteran's left shoulder joint replacement disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the current evidence.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted as service connected.,Service connection for left leg condition and right leg condition are not granted.

The Veteran's initial ratings for thoracolumbar spine scoliosis with osteoarthritis and left shoulder bursitis prior to June 21, 2023 were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to October 28, 2022 is remanded due to the need for additional development and referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the service connection claims for right shoulder disability and left knee disability due to inadequate medical opinions provided in March 2021. The Veteran's current disabilities are being evaluated again with additional evidence and a new examination.

The Veteran's postoperative right total shoulder arthroplasty is currently rated at 30 percent, the minimum rating for a major extremity with chronic residuals consisting of severe, painful motion or weakness. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to outstanding private treatment records and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the left shoulder condition.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability due to inadequate examination opinions. Additional evidence is needed, including VA Employee Health records and private treatment records from Arkansas Pain Center.

The Veteran's right eye and hypertension disability claims have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been granted service connection, but his hypertension rating remains at 10 percent.,Service connection for OSA is granted based on evidence in relative equipoise regarding its onset during service.,Left knee and right shoulder disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.,An initial compensable rating for insomnia is also remanded.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability may be secondary to his left shoulder or cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for migraine headaches, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, right wrist disability, cervical spine disability, and low back disability have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show any current disabilities related to these conditions during his qualifying periods of active duty.,There is no credible evidence showing that the Veteran experienced any injuries or diseases related to these conditions during his service in the North Carolina National Guard.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right shoulder disorder and bone spurs (osteophyte formations) due to insufficient development of medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling examinations. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection or increased ratings for various conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to his shoulders, elbows, hands, ankles, and back are remanded due to confusion regarding the procedural posture of the case and clarification needed on whether any issues had previously been adjudicated. The Board also notes that updated VA treatment records should be obtained and an examination conducted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the origin of the Veteran's right shoulder disability, and a VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected urethral stricture and right shoulder disability are being remanded for further review. The appeal also includes a request to reopen the claim for chronic kidney disease, which is related to the urethral stricture.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and right eye disability, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU. For the initial compensable rating for the right eye disability, the case is remanded as new evidence suggests the condition may be more severe than previously evaluated.