Shoulder decisions — 2025

The Board denied initial disability ratings for various conditions, including GERD, shoulder strain, elbow strains, lumbosacral strain, and knee conditions. A separate rating was granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy due to the service-connected lumbosacral spine disability.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the veteran's right small finger fracture and right optic neuropathy, but granted an effective date of August 20, 2021, for a 20 percent disability rating for painful right shoulder scars.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed due to untimely filing of the Board Appeal requests.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for left shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis & separation condition, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and sleep apnea with asthma.

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's right wrist condition and a 60 percent rating for residuals of his right partial shoulder replacement, except during periods of convalescence following surgery.

The Board denied service connection for asthma and granted higher initial ratings, earlier effective dates, or SMC in some cases while denying them in others.

The Board remands the claims for a compensable rating and service connection due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors, including missing VA treatment records and unfulfilled examination requests.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of June 4, 2015 for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board granted restoration of the 30 percent evaluation for bilateral flat feet and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. Various claims for increased ratings and service connection were remanded.

The Board remands the claims for a higher disability rating for cervical strain, arthritis, DDD, IVDS and service connection for left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, left shoulder strain, and bilateral vertigo due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board granted service connection for low back degenerative disc disease and remanded the claims for a right knee disability, migraine headaches, neck disability, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and increased the ratings for thoracolumbar strain, herniated disc and intervertebral disc syndrome, vertigo/dizziness, and PTSD. The rating for left shoulder impingement syndrome was denied, while a 50 percent rating for tension headaches was granted.

The Board granted service connection for left foot tinea pedis and remanded the claims for a higher rating for left knee painful motion, a compensable rating for left knee strain with limitation of flexion, and a higher rating for left shoulder strain.

The Board remands the claim for service connection of muscle aches from shoulder to head, as further examination is needed due to inadequate previous examinations.

The Board remands the claims for further development and compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disk disease of C6/C7 and status post rotator cuff tear of the right shoulder with degenerative joint disease, winged right scapula, right subacromial bursitis, and tendonitis.

The Board denied an increased rating for the left shoulder and knee conditions, granted a separate compensable evaluation for left shoulder acromioclavicular dislocation effective March 17, 2025, and denied entitlement to TDIU.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including a lumbar spine disability, right and left knee disabilities, hypertension, residuals of frostbite of both hands, and a right shoulder disability, for additional development.

The Board granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to an in-service injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantial gainful activity.