Shoulder decisions — 2026

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional development regarding medical records related to the Veteran's right shoulder and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to February 4, 2023.

The Veteran's appeal for a bilateral shoulder disability was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis is rated at 20 percent from February 6, 2017. The rating for thoracolumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome remains at 40 percent prior to September 22, 2025 and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right shoulder disability are all rated at the highest possible initial rating of 40 percent.

The Veteran's left, right shin, and ankle disabilities are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's right foot and left foot disabilities are also granted as service-connected. However, the Veteran's right shoulder disability is denied due to lack of a causal relationship with her service.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for all issues related to service connection and increased rating claims. The Board dismissed the appeals due to the withdrawal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and opinions regarding his claimed disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to duty-to-assist errors and insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis with rotator cuff tear.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis and GERD, finding that both conditions began during his active military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to deficiencies in the VA examination opinion, and the appellant's right shoulder disability is being reviewed again for potential service connection.

The Board has determined that there was a pre-decisional error due to the lack of consideration of lay statements and treatment records, leading to an insufficient VA opinion. The case is being remanded for further evaluation by a VA clinician.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to obtain an adequate medical determination prior to the decision, and for issues related to eligibility for PCAFC benefits. The matter is now being returned to the AOJ for further review.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error and remands the case for further action.

The appeal for an earlier effective date prior to April 20, 2023, for service connection for a right shoulder disability is dismissed. The Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings and secondary service connection are remanded.

The Veteran's right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome was granted service connection effective September 30, 2023.,Service connection for right shoulder, back, and left finger disabilities were also granted effective September 30, 2023.

The Veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for his left shoulder disability and service connection for upper back pain as secondary to a service-connected left shoulder disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and the retrieval of private treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's application for PCAFC benefits is remanded due to insufficient notice and an inadequate medical opinion. The AOJ must provide complete notice of the decision as required by law, including identification of whether or not the claim meets the criteria under 38 U.S.C. § 1720G and 38 C.F.R. § 71.15-71.25. Additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran qualifies for personal care services.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection and an increased disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD effective April 7, 2020.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also granted effective April 7, 2020.