Shoulder decisions — 2024

The Veteran's right thumb sprain and right shoulder disability were denied increased ratings.,Specifically, the Veteran's right thumb sprain was not found to meet criteria for a compensable rating prior to November 4, 2022, or greater than 10 percent thereafter. The right shoulder disability was also denied an evaluation greater than 20 percent.

The Board has found the June 2018 VA examination report inadequate and remanded this matter for updated medical records and a new VA examination. The AOJ did not substantially comply with the previous remand directives, leading to another remand.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be examined and for updated VA medical records to be obtained in order to determine the current severity of his service-connected right shoulder and scar disabilities.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including low back condition, cervical spine condition, knee conditions, shoulder conditions, peripheral neuropathy, and thyroid condition. The effective dates are not specified.

The Veteran's request for service connection for OSA was granted, and he is now rated at 20% for his right shoulder degenerative arthritis. The TDIU rating remains in effect. The case of chronic pancreatitis has been remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition is currently rated at 20 percent, the minimum rating for limitation of motion at the shoulder level. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence showing forward flexion or abduction reduced below 90 degrees.

The Veteran's detached retina with decreased vision began during active service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The other issues on appeal are remanded.

The appeal for an increased rating for a lumbar spine disability has been withdrawn. The appeals for the left ankle, left knee, left shoulder, and right ankle disabilities are being remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various shoulder and knee conditions, increased ratings for knee disabilities, and an effective date for hearing loss. Additional evidence was added since the last rating decision but not considered by the AOJ.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder and bilateral knee conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the nature, extent, and severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the claimed conditions. The Veteran's testimony and medical records indicate that these conditions are likely related to her periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for right shoulder, left elbow, bilateral ankle, bilateral knee, cervical spine, and thoracolumbar spine disabilities due to incomplete consideration of the Veteran's credible testimony regarding in-service injuries and continued symptoms after separation from service.

The Board has found that the claims of service connection for left shoulder, left knee, and low back disabilities need to be remanded due to new evidence being added by VA. The Veteran will have an opportunity to respond with a waiver or request review by the RO.

The Board finds that the Veteran's VA Form 9 was timely filed, and thus reinstates his appeal regarding service connection for right shoulder, right knee, and bipolar disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing an addendum VA opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings are not granted, and they have been remanded to obtain additional medical evidence.

The Veteran's GERD with Barrett's esophagitis was granted service connection during his period of active service. The right shoulder disability, IVDS with cervical degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity are all remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues related to his back condition, shoulder strains, and radiculopathies. The AOJ must issue a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is denied as the form 21-8940 was not returned by the Veteran within one year of being requested.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability and bilateral shin splint disability, finding that the evidence did not support a relationship between these conditions and service.