Shoulder decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and increased rating for his right shoulder disability have been denied. The claim was initially filed in April 2001, but the effective date is set at April 17, 2001 due to a finding of CUE in the July 2015 decision. His current rating remains at 20 percent.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, bilateral leg swelling, diabetes mellitus, right knee and ankle pain, left hip pain, chronic back pain, hypertension, headaches, and prostate cancer. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service or the presumption of herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to her inability to use assistive devices as a normal mode of locomotion.

The Veteran's claims for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to December 3, 2019 and basic eligibility to DEA based on permanent and total disability status prior to December 3, 2019 are being remanded due to the AOJ's failure to refer these matters to the VA Director of Compensation and Pension for a determination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back, lower extremities, shoulder, ankle, wrist, and knee conditions, have caused him to be in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to September 12, 2017 is being remanded due to the need for referral to the Director of Compensation Service under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) based on evidence indicating she has been unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since at least April 24, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee condition and a right shoulder condition, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are linked to his military service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is now rated at 40% effective January 10, 2020.,Service connection for the left shoulder disability remains pending and requires further examination to determine its etiology.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for his left shoulder condition, finding that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation based on limited range of motion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left shoulder disability, finding that there was no evidence to support the claim and that the current condition is not related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and cervical spine disorders due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The case is returned to the Board for further development in compliance with the directives specified in the Joint Motion for Remand (JMR).

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder condition and a lower back condition, finding that new evidence supports reopening of these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's PDD is rated at 70 percent, also effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for left shoulder impingement syndrome, left elbow condition, bilateral knee conditions, and right knee arthritis due to incomplete VA examinations. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is denied as not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral shin splints, left leg disability, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) disability, abnormal heart / stress disorder, left knee disability, right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and shoulder disabilities. The Board found that there was no evidence to support the Veteran's claims based on his service records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right shoulder disabilities, as well as a right knee disability. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and a skin rash of the face are denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin rash of the bilateral feet is remanded to obtain an examination.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher rating for his left shoulder disability is remanded due to the need for additional examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is denied as there is no current disability for VA purposes.,The Veteran's left ankle disability claim is denied as the evidence does not show marked limitation of motion.

The Board denied service connection for multiple thigh, shoulder, and elbow disabilities, as well as a left elbow scar, based on the lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's in-service injury.