Shoulder decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder condition is at least as likely as not incurred in or caused by active military service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder condition.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen claims for various disabilities, including right thumb, shoulder, hip, knee, and neck disabilities as well as headaches, has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals. The TBI and PTSD issues are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for back, left shoulder, and right wrist disabilities. Service connection was granted for rhinitis.

Service connection for sinusitis is granted. Service connection for a left shoulder disability, spinal injury, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), skin disability, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, as it is unclear whether the Veteran's right shoulder disability preexisted his active duty or was aggravated by that period of service. The Veteran will need to provide additional records and undergo a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral flat feet, acquired psychiatric condition, lip injury, left shoulder condition, hypertension, and back condition have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claims are granted in part.

The Board denied service connection for TBI, lumbosacral spine disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and bilateral knee disability. The Veteran's claims were not granted as the evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities related to active service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal because the decision in the December 2019 appeal was not a valid appeal of any decision under either appeals system and did not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the appealed issues.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion related to the Veteran's left shoulder condition.

The Veteran's headache disorder is granted service connection. Service connection for his right and left shoulder disabilities remains pending as the VA has remanded these issues.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The remaining issues are remanded for further examination and analysis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD has been reopened, and the claims for left shoulder and left hand conditions have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for blindness, including light perception only, and sleep apnea have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.,Service connection for asthma has also been denied due to lack of a diagnosed condition related to service or undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's asthma was granted service connection as it manifested within the required timeframe and is presumed to be related to his active duty service in Southwest Asia. The issues regarding bilateral hearing loss and right shoulder condition are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's initial 20 percent rating for left shoulder rotator cuff tendinopathy and lumbar spine herniated nuclear pulposus with degenerative disc disease and degenerative changes is granted, effective from April 5, 2011 to September 14, 2012. A higher rating is denied.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability and denied entitlement to special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claim of service connection due to lack of medical nexus, while his disabilities were found to be insufficient to meet the criteria for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 20 percent for the appellant's lumbar spine disability, effective May 10, 2018. The right shoulder scars are rated at 10 percent since March 24, 2018.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions are inadequate and the claims for service connection must be remanded again. The Veteran's left knee, right shoulder, back, bilateral ankles, and erectile dysfunction disabilities are being reviewed to determine if they are related to his military service.