Shoulder decisions — 2024

The Veteran's hearing loss and back disability claims are remanded for additional development. The shoulder condition claims are also remanded, but the nature of the left shoulder condition is unclear.

The Veteran's appeals seeking increased ratings for his left shoulder and left foot disabilities have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues regarding his right knee, left knee degenerative arthritis, and left knee arthroscopy scars.

The Veteran's PTSD due to military sexual trauma is granted as service-connected. The other issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is service-connected, as there is a balance of evidence supporting its onset during military service.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic left shoulder condition in service or within the presumptive period, and concluded that the current left shoulder tendonitis with arthritis is not related to any incident during service. The Veteran's claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding direct service connection for a left shoulder disability. Another VA examination is needed to provide an adequate opinion on this issue.

The appeal is granted as the left ankle disability was improperly severed from service connection, and CFS is granted. Other issues are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability has been denied as there is no persuasive evidence of a current disability.,Service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome with subacromial bursitis and obstructive sleep apnea have been remanded due to inadequate VA medical opinions.

The Board has withdrawn the claims for increased ratings for PTSD, TBI, and right shoulder disability. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea (OSA) is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence of a current diagnosis.

The Board has granted service connection for shoulder impingement with rotator cuff tendonitis, right and left shoulders, patellofemoral pain syndrome of the knees, and lumbosacral strain. The Veteran's bilateral shin splints claim is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is required for the Veteran's claims regarding Bell's palsy, left shoulder impingement syndrome with degenerative arthritis, and right shoulder impingement syndrome with degenerative arthritis.

The Board has denied service connection for joint pains, including ankle, foot, knee, and shoulder disabilities. The Veteran's claims are remanded for further examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.,Service connection is also denied for IBS.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's back and left shoulder disabilities are related to their service, as previous opinions did not adequately address the Veteran's statements regarding combat duties.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for remanding the claims of service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, bilateral knee disability, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, and radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities. Additional examination is needed to determine if these conditions were incurred in or caused by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder disability, PTSD, major depressive disorder, and diabetes mellitus type 2 are denied. The Board has remanded the claims of PTSD, major depressive disorder, and diabetes mellitus type 2.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of bilateral shoulder fractures due to incomplete development and inadequate opinions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records, including those from MUSC and Charleston VAMC, and to provide VA opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70 percent rating, effective April 6, 2021. The right shoulder disability remained at a 20 percent rating.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, neck, and back disabilities due to a lack of adequate rationale in previous opinions and the need for new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and lack of medical opinions. The appeals are pending until further action is taken.