Shoulder decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder and a headache disorder are being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his headaches.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, in combination, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history for the entire appeal period prior to December 14, 2018.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to limited range of motion. The Veteran's back surgical scars are noncompensable as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7802.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is associated with his back disability and is inextricably intertwined, so it must be addressed along with the back disability issues.

The Board has restored service connection for right shoulder strain and denied it for scar on neck.

The Veteran's right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 5201. The evidence does not show limitation of motion to midway between the side and shoulder level or with flexion and/or abduction limited to 45 degrees.,The Veteran's left ankle fracture is currently rated at 10 percent, reflecting moderate limitation of motion. The evidence does not show marked limitation of motion.

Service connection for asthma is granted. The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, left shoulder, and left hand disorders are reopened but the Board finds insufficient evidence to grant these claims on their merits.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted as his condition does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are caused and aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. The Board has granted the claim for service connection, but the effective date of the TDIU is remanded due to insufficient clinical evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the bilateral shoulders, wrists, and hips.,Additional claims for hearing loss, left foot condition, right foot condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was granted, with some issues receiving higher ratings and others remaining at the current levels.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to inadequate development of evidence, including the need for retrospective opinions and VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder strain, claimed as pain and stiffness in the left shoulder, is dismissed because it has been fully granted by a January 2024 rating decision.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's right knee and right shoulder disabilities are remanded due to incomplete service treatment records.

The Veteran's death was caused by a toxic level of medication, and the Board is remanding to obtain medical records and provide an opinion on whether his service-connected disabilities or medications contributed to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia. The left shoulder condition is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence received since the last decision, and requests that she complete medical authorizations for private records. The Board also requires examinations to determine etiology of her claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to address the etiology of the Veteran's generalized arthritis disorder, including whether it is related to service-connected disabilities and obesity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, left knee condition, right knee condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depressive disorder with psychotic features), sleep apnea, and bilateral elbow condition have been granted. The decision also remanded several other issues.

The Veteran's IBS is granted with a maximum 30 percent rating. The Board has determined that further examinations are needed for her kidney and bladder issues, right toe disability, right shoulder condition, vertigo, gastrointestinal disorder (including GERD), and fatigue.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of heart disability, major depressive disorder, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The remaining issues have been remanded.