Shoulder decisions — 2025

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of a hernia condition, bilateral shoulder condition, and PTSD. The veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to assess these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for lumbar strain myositis and left shoulder DJD, stating that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 40 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

The veteran's 50 percent rating for a right shoulder disability, effective April 1, 2018, is restored. The issue of an increased rating beyond 50 percent is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for both the right shoulder and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and the veteran's military service.

The veteran was granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD and a rating of 20 percent for left knee laxity/instability. All other issues were denied or remanded.

The Board remanded all issues to obtain VA examinations to determine the likely etiology of each condition.

The Board denied service connection for several conditions but granted it for genitourinary system disability, tension headaches, left knee strain, and right knee strain. The claims for bilateral hip strain, bilateral shoulder strain, major depressive disorder with anxiety and PTSD, neurobehavior effects, insomnia, poor concentration, and bilateral lateral epicondylitis were remanded.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, back disorder, right and left knee disorders, right and left shoulder disorders, right leg disorder other than a right knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, allergic rhinitis, asthma, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction were granted and remanded. The claims for right and left wrist disorders were dismissed.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for higher disability ratings and service connection for various conditions, citing incomplete records and the need for further evidentiary development.

The Board denied service connection for low back, left shoulder, skin, hemorrhoids, and sleep apnea disabilities. The claim for tinnitus was remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating higher than 20 percent for his left shoulder disability. The evidence did not show the required level of motion limitation.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of back and bilateral shoulder disorders due to incomplete service treatment records.

Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and scrotal pain is denied. Other issues are remanded.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of a back disability was dismissed. The veteran was granted a 20% rating for the back disability starting from July 2, 2020, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). All other claims were denied.

The veteran was granted initial ratings for right and left knee strain, including meniscal tear and degenerative arthritis, based on dislocated cartilage. The veteran was also granted an initial rating for right shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis. However, the request for a higher rating for the right shoulder strain and residuals of total knee replacements were remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current shoulder conditions and his military service.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for various disorders, including right hip, bilateral shoulders, back, and bilateral knees, as well as tinnitus. The Board found that VA examinations are necessary to determine the nature and etiology of these claimed disorders.

Service connection for the left shoulder, right wrist, and left knee conditions was denied. The claims for service connection for tendinosis of the right shoulder and an initial compensable rating for tension headaches were remanded.

The veteran's claim for a back scar was granted. Other claims were remanded for further examination.

The veteran's claim for secondary service connection for depression and TDIU was granted. The claims for an earlier effective date for left shoulder disability and service connection for sleep apnea were remanded.