Shoulder decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded several issues related to service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right shoulder disability was rated at 20% due to limited motion, while the left shoulder disability was also rated at 20%. Service connection for a cervical spine disability was not granted.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder disorder. Additionally, an addendum opinion is required regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep disorder, including whether it is secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for right and left shoulder disorders, which the Board has remanded due to incomplete STRs and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by muscle spasm and cramping, right shoulder disorder, right arm disorder, and right wrist disorder is denied. The Board found no current diagnoses related to these conditions during the appeal period.,For the right shoulder disorder, right arm disorder, and right wrist disorder, there are no service treatment records indicating any injuries or illnesses that could have led to these conditions. The VA examiner concluded that it is less likely than not that these disorders were incurred in service.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for his left elbow scar, service connection for his left shoulder arthritis as secondary to his ulnar nerve disability, and service connection for his left hand and ring finger disability are all denied. The Veteran is also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 1, 2005. The Board has remanded the case for extra-schedular consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder strain, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, right elbow degenerative joint disease, right wrist degenerative joint disease, and cervical spine degenerative arthritis with spondylosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examination reports. The issues include arthritis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, kidney conditions, gallbladder conditions, appendix conditions, sinusitis, erectile dysfunction, and eye problems. These matters will be addressed by new medical opinions regarding exposure at Pease Air Force Base.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened and granted for a psychiatric disorder. Service connection is also granted for a skin disability.,CFS, bilateral shoulder/wrist/elbow/hand disabilities, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for initial compensable rating for scar, left humeral head and total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU). The appeal for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder bursitis is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted. The appeals for other conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims in July 2023.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various joint disabilities due to a new theory of entitlement raised by his representative, focusing on whether these conditions are related to his military duties as a heavy equipment operator.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine, cervical spine, and bilateral shoulder disabilities. Service connection for neurological disorders of the lower and upper extremities is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder and remanded the issues of entitlement to a compensable rating for hammer toes, right foot.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder condition, right maxillary sinus fracture, and maxillary fracture (LeFort I), finding that these conditions began during a period of Active Component Duty Training Under Reserve (ACDUTRA) in ROTC training.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inconsistencies in the evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The neck scar and headaches remain rated as noncompensable, while the left shoulder condition is still rated at 20 percent.