Shoulder decisions — 2026

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of right shoulder, left shoulder, neck, and vertigo conditions due to procedural errors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability had its onset during service and is related to his active duty, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for psychiatric disorders, hypertension, and shoulder/knee conditions as the evidence did not establish in-service incurrence or a nexus to service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder labral tear, including SLAP. However, the left ankle disability and knee disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder DJD with limitation of motion was granted, and he is now rated at 30 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for effective dates prior to November 6, 2018, for grants of service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for PTSD, lumbar strain, cervical strain, left knee strain, right knee strain, and right shoulder strain are denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, right shoulder, left shoulder, right hip, and left hip disorders based on the Veteran's active duty service. The conditions are considered to be directly related to his military duties.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and erectile dysfunction. The case is being remanded to obtain VA examinations to determine if his lumbar spine disorder, right lower extremity disorder, left lower extremity disorder, right shoulder disorder, and/or left shoulder disorder are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder disorder, left ankle disorder, and tinnitus have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine and bilateral shoulder disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment since July 17, 1995. The Board granted his claim for TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability and remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment due to his back and knee conditions, which limit his ability to stand, walk, lift, bend, and carry.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not establish an in-service injury or occurrence resulting in the current condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to delays in adjudication and requests for additional evidence. The issues of service connection for left shoulder disorder, right upper extremity disorder, right hand disorder, and bilateral knee disorders are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT) incorrectly concluded that the Veteran did not require personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months. The CEAT review was based on an inability to perform ADLs, but failed to consider evidence suggesting the need for supervision or protection due to neurological impairment. A new medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran requires personal care services and whether he has a need for supervision or protection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, right hand, and left shoulder disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating from September 28, 2019 for the Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome with disc herniation L3-S1, status post discectomy L3-4 and L4-5. The other conditions have been rated based on their direct service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and compensable ratings are being remanded due to procedural errors in the decision-making process.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss or permanent loss of use of a hand or foot, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ankylosis of one or both knees or hips, or permanent impairment of vision. Therefore, the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of one automobile or other conveyance with necessary automotive adaptive equipment are not met.