Shoulder decisions — 2026

The appellant is granted SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1) based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, glaucoma, foot drop conditions, sleep apnea, migraines, overactive bladder, and various musculoskeletal issues. He does not qualify for higher rates due to the anatomical loss or use of extremities.

The Veteran was found to be unable to self-sustain in the community due to his cognitive decline and multiple physical disabilities, requiring continuous personal care services each time he completed three or more activities of daily living.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and denied the remaining issues of service connection. The Veteran's OSA is found to be related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee strain and denied service connection for left shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD. The case is remanded for further action on the right hip disability claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle sprain residuals, left shoulder injury residuals, and bilateral pes planus due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities or any link between his military service and these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew all his appeals regarding various conditions and disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, left shoulder strain, degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy of the upper extremities, lateral epicondylitis, osteoarthritis, and allergic rhinitis. The appeal is dismissed as a result.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection have been denied as the AOJ found that the evidence was not new and relevant to adjudicate these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral pes planus with aggravation, right and left foot disorders other than pes planus, asthma, and right shoulder and left shoulder disorders. The Veteran's claim for a traumatic brain injury has been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder, left knee, and right knee due to inadequate VA examinations in August 2020 and January 2021.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder condition, finding that the evidence is in at least approximate balance that his current disability manifested during service and persists.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, back disability, left shoulder disability, and skin disability. The claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and skin disability are remanded.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, low back disability, radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities, and radiculopathy of the femoral nerve in both lower extremities are all rated at 20 percent each.,Entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.