Shoulder decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, except for persistent depressive disorder which was granted.

The Board remands the claim for a new VA examination to obtain an adequate opinion regarding the service connection of the left shoulder disability.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for multiple conditions to correct a duty to assist error by ensuring VA examinations are conducted.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for right and left shoulder conditions due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for right ankle sprain was denied, but a 20 percent rating for right shoulder degenerative arthritis prior to August 28, 2017, was granted.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for a higher disability rating and TDIU due to inadequate examinations and statements of reasons.

The Board granted a 10 percent disability rating for the Veteran's left hip strain with limitation of flexion and denied ratings in excess of 10 percent for other left hip conditions, as well as a compensable rating for rhinitis. The claims for service connection for various additional conditions were remanded.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation of right shoulder strain, service connection for left knee and psychiatric disorders due to scheduling errors and lack of examination.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for cervical spine, left shoulder, and thoracolumbar spine disabilities to obtain an addendum opinion addressing the Veteran's lay statements of continuity.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a left shoulder condition, cervical spine condition, and low back condition due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board dismissed the appeals of proposed reductions in disability ratings for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and right shoulder strain with rotator cuff tendonitis and clavicle deformity as they are not appealable determinations.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the 30 percent and 40 percent disability ratings for the Veteran's right shoulder condition, as there was no evidence of a factually ascertainable increase in disability within one year prior to the claims.

The appeal was denied for higher ratings and remanded for service connection of various conditions.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy. The claims for other disabilities were remanded.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and increased rating to afford the Veteran an opportunity to attend examinations.

The Board granted an initial rating of 10 percent for GERD and denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left knee disability, low back disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right shoulder disability, respiratory disability, sleep apnea, and scars. Service connection was granted for irritable bowel syndrome, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and MDD), headache disability as secondary to PTSD/MDD, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to PTSD/MDD.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a total disability due to individual unemployability based on a single disability for special monthly compensation purposes, as there was no evidence that any single service-connected condition or combination of conditions rendered him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment.

The Veteran's request for Higher-Level Review of the denial of his claims was untimely and therefore denied.

The appeal was withdrawn by the appellant on June 13, 2024, and is therefore dismissed.

The Board remands the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain and service connection for a left ankle disorder, left shoulder disorder, neck disorder, right ankle disorder, and a right elbow disorder due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.