Shoulder decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional private medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in obtaining necessary medical opinions and evidence. The AOJ is required to obtain additional VA medical opinions and consider any relevant private treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his inability to use assistive devices and his ability to independently ambulate.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for vertigo, right foot condition, left ankle condition, urinary frequency, right shoulder condition, and left foot condition are all denied.,The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for urinary frequency, right shoulder condition, and left foot condition due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine, lumbar canal stenosis; right knee condition; left knee condition; right shoulder condition; and neck pain are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for chronic allergies, chronic ear infections, chronic sinusitis/nosebleeds, and a left shoulder disability need further development due to the failure to obtain relevant private treatment records.,Specifically, VA must attempt to obtain medical records from Dr. Barrick, who is identified in the Veteran's post-service VA treatment notes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder condition is granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA-authorized treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, including obtaining STRs and SPRs for the Veteran's Reserve service, conducting an addendum opinion on the left shoulder disability, and scheduling a VA examination for nerve conditions.

The Veteran's left shoulder condition, including degenerative joint disease and a rotator cuff tear, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board found that the evidence does not support an increase in rating beyond this level.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of August 26, 2024, for a 40 percent evaluation for his right shoulder disability. The decision found that the earliest date it is factually ascertainable that the Veteran’s right shoulder disability worsened to its current level was August 26, 2024.

The Board denied the claim for service connection of a right shoulder disability as no new and relevant evidence was provided within the applicable time frame.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and a failure to address in-service left shoulder injury.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10 percent, effective July 3, 2023. The Veteran's hemorrhoids do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for PTSD and sleep apnea are inextricably intertwined with the Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder pain and sebaceous cyst.

The Veteran's service-connected shrapnel injuries and related skin conditions caused his clothing to stain and wear out at an increased rate, warranting annual clothing allowances for the use of topical medications.

The Board has determined that the Veteran requires personal care services due to a need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which his ability to function in daily life would be seriously impaired. The appeal is remanded to determine if it is in the best interest of the Veteran to participate in the PCAFC program and provide complete notice of the decision on his claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder condition and entitlement to TDIU due to issues with previous medical opinions. The case is being returned for further development, including obtaining updated employment information and another advisory medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and higher ratings due to additional procedural development being required. The AOJ is instructed to issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case addressing all evidence received since the September 2025 SSOC.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right shoulder, left shoulder, right hip, left hip, right knee, and lower back conditions. The evidence supports a finding that these conditions are causally related to service.