Shoulder decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and right shoulder peritendinitis, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU from December 16, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected scars have been denied. The left arm/forearm and right and left upper back/shoulder blade scars do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7802, but he is granted a separate 30 percent rating for painful scars.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA opinions and a need to verify service in the Army National Guard on October 4, 2013. The Veteran's claim for service connection will be reconsidered.

The Board has determined that there were errors in the pre-decisional duty to assist and has ordered a remand for further development of the cervical spondylosis, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability claims.

The Veteran's temporary total disability evaluation for convalescence following his right shoulder surgery from December 29, 2020 to June 1, 2021 was granted. The Board found that the evidence did not demonstrate entitlement to an extension of this rating beyond June 1, 2021.

The rating reduction from 30 percent disabling to 20 percent disabling for rotator cuff tendonitis with impingement syndrome, right shoulder was not proper. The 30 percent rating is restored, effective February 23, 2021.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 20% for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, but no higher.

The Board has determined that the VA examination provided for the right shoulder disability was inadequate and remanded to obtain a proper opinion. The claim is being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's right knee disability and left shoulder disabilities are denied as not related to service.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is denied as not related to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's right knee disability and left shoulder disabilities are denied as not related to service.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is denied as not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed right ankle, lumbar spine, right knee, right hip, right shoulder, right wrist, left wrist, left elbow, and cervical spine conditions based on credible lay statements and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis with glenohumeral joint disease due to a lack of an induction examination and insufficient opinion regarding preexistence and aggravation during service.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for a separate rating for tension headaches, but the claims for service connection for fracture of the right scapula and separate ratings for muscle injuries in the right upper arm and shoulder were denied due to CUE.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, right shoulder, left shoulder, and sleep apnea disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or event that caused these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to revise an August 2012 rating decision that evaluated a left shoulder disability as 20 percent disabling on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The Board found no CUE in the decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, right shoulder degenerative changes, and hypertension due to duty-to-assist errors in prior decisions.

The Board has granted readjudication of the claim for service connection for muscle disability, claimed as muscle pain due to Gulf War service. The claims for left foot calcaneal heel spur, left hand tendonitis, right hand tendonitis, and left shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and degenerative arthritis are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left and right shoulder degenerative arthritis due to insufficient medical opinion regarding their etiology.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and requires an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's right shoulder condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on housebound status as he is not permanently confined to his dwelling and immediate premises due to service-connected disabilities.