Shoulder decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for generalized anxiety disorder with persistent depressive disorder, TBI, and migraine headaches were denied as there was no evidence of a claim prior to May 19, 2010.,The Veteran's claims for right shoulder impingement syndrome with degenerative arthritis, left knee strain, and right knee arthritis were granted effective May 19, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of TBI was denied. The effective date remains at May 12, 2022.

The appeal for initial compensable rating for service-connected scar of the anterior cervical spine, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected tinnitus, and a rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected right shoulder impingement syndrome is dismissed. Service connection for a heart disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a digestive system disability, including IBS and GERD; a neck condition; and a right shoulder condition due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for eligibility to the direct payment of fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a September 2023 Rating Decision was dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, and neck disability. Effective January 21, 2020, a 100 percent evaluation is granted for PTSD due to MST with depression.

The Board has decided to remand all of the Veteran's claims for further development due to inadequate VA opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee, left knee, bilateral plantar fasciitis, generalized anxiety disorder, and left shoulder conditions. The claims of service connection for a right elbow condition with tear of the bicep muscle are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The claim for higher rate SMC(t) due to traumatic brain injury is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or being permanently bedridden due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he did not meet the criteria under sections (1), (2), or (3) of 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l). The Board concluded that the Veteran was not permanently bedridden or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the appellant's claims for service connection due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ will consider any additional evidence, including records from Dr. M.H., when the claims are readjudicated.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, finding that they are attributable to his time in service and supported by medical opinions. The PACT Act presumption applies.

The Veteran's disability ratings for neck and right shoulder conditions were reduced, but the Board found these reductions improper due to lack of proper procedural steps.

The appeal for service connection of the left upper extremity condition (claimed as left shoulder condition to include left arm pain) is dismissed. The issue of service connection for hypertension has been withdrawn by the Veteran and his representative.

The Veteran's hearing loss appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the issue.,Service connection for a sinus condition is denied as there is no separate current diagnosis and it is related to already service-connected allergic rhinitis.,Service connection for bilateral shoulder disability is granted as the condition had its onset in service and has continued since then.,Service connection for bilateral hip disability is denied due to lack of current diagnosis, despite the Veteran's complaints.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is granted based on a history of combat stressors and current symptoms consistent with PTSD criteria.,Service connection for sleep apnea is denied as there was no evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for various ratings and service connection decisions were denied as they are impermissible freestanding claims.

The Veteran's service connection claims for Lyme disease, left upper and right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, a left shoulder disability, and sinusitis have all been granted.,All conditions were found to be related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board has denied service connection for right hip bursitis, left shoulder bursitis, hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions during the appeal period.,Service connection was granted for tinnitus.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a left shoulder disability due to August 2023 VA treatment for diverticulitis, finding no additional disability resulting from the treatment.

The Veteran's tinea pedis has been granted an initial 10 percent rating. The Board has identified pre-decisional duty to assist errors for the remaining issues and has ordered remand for additional development.