Shoulder decisions — 2025

The Board granted service connection for right hip strain as it is caused by the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis of the sacroiliac joint. The claims for higher staged ratings and service connection for a right shoulder condition were remanded.

The Board remands the claims for service connection due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of December 12, 2018, for the grant of a higher rating of 30 percent for a right shoulder disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left hip condition and a left shoulder condition, as secondary to his service-connected total right knee replacement residuals.

The Board remands the matter for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed left shoulder condition, including whether it preexisted service or was aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic right shoulder disorder, finding that the evidence does not support a causal link between the Veteran's active duty service and his current condition.

The Board granted service connection for right hip, left hip, right shoulder, left shoulder, and right elbow conditions.,The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and respiratory condition with chest pain.,The Board denied initial compensable ratings for tinea unguium (onychomycosis) of toenails and upper extremity scars.,The Board remanded claims for dermatitis, bilateral hands and feet, bilateral pes planus, and acquired hemolytic anemia.

The Board denied service connection for left and right hand arthritis, as there is no current diagnosis of arthritis in the Veteran's hands. The claims for service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left hip arthritis, and left shoulder rotator cuff tendinopathy are remanded for further development.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for left, right shoulder, and low back disorders as new and relevant evidence has been received since the prior denials.

The Board granted service connection for a left shoulder condition, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection for various disabilities due to a regulatory duty to assist error.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction as secondary to OSA, a left shoulder disability, and an anxiety disorder due to insufficient medical evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for various left elbow, left shoulder, right pinky finger, and dental disabilities.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's benign cyst left greater tubercle of the humerus and remanded claims for service connection for a lumbar spine condition and a compensable rating for tinea pedis.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, left shoulder disability, and right wrist disability due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board granted eligibility for direct payment of fees from past due benefits awarded in the portion of a May 2023 rating decision granting service connection for a neck disorder and left upper extremity radiculopathy, but denied such eligibility for right and left shoulder disorders as well as right upper extremity radiculopathy.

The appeal for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including diabetes, erectile dysfunction, bilateral shoulder disability, hemorrhoids, and knee and ankle disabilities, was dismissed.

The Board remands the claim for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any right shoulder disability, as the previous examination was found to be inadequate.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder bicipital tendonitis, finding that the disability is less likely than not related to the Veteran's military service. The claim for service connection for residual of cervical fracture with cervical strain was remanded due to an inadequate medical opinion.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for right hip strain, left hip strain, and left shoulder strain as the May 2024 medical opinion is inadequate for adjudication purposes.