Shoulder decisions — 2026

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective December 16, 2022. The Veteran's tinnitus is assigned the maximum rating possible under the rating schedule.,The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder condition, low back strain, and right first (index) finger condition.

The Veteran requested a temporary total rating for right reverse total shoulder arthroplasty following his April 2022 surgery. The Board found that the extent of the surgical procedure was unclear and remanded to obtain clarification from an orthopedist.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of recurrent right shoulder dislocations are remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and medical opinion regarding functional loss during flare-ups.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were denied due to the untimely filing of Board Appeal requests, and thus the appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's right shoulder strain is currently rated at 20 percent, effective July 3, 2013. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to limited motion of the right shoulder.,The Veteran's left ankle strain is currently rated at 10 percent, effective July 3, 2013. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to limited motion of the left ankle.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right shoulder replacement and degenerative joint disease of the right ring finger, have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since September 18, 2009. The Board has granted effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his ability to independently ambulate without aids.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff and left shoulder condition as secondary to the disability of right shoulder rotator cuff due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his in-service injury and post-service symptoms are considered, but further clarification is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, as he has maintained substantial income from previous employment and his current education and work history suggest he can perform sedentary or semi-sedentary work.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of service connection for residuals of a hiatal hernia surgical repair, obstructive sleep apnea, left hand disorder, left shoulder disorder, right knee disorder, and cervical spine disorder due to incomplete compliance with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for hypertension and service connection for a right shoulder disorder have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate these claims as they are moot.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for an increased rating for right shoulder degenerative joint disease and right shoulder instability due to inadequate VA examination prior to the December 12, 2024 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical opinions and verification of the Veteran's duty status during his claimed injury. The Veteran seeks service connection for right bicep tear and right shoulder arthritis, which are currently diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, the minimum compensable rating due to painful motion. A higher rating is not warranted as his range of motion does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to an effective date prior to June 23, 2023, for a 40 percent rating for right shoulder impingement syndrome (rotator cuff tendinopathy), and for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for rhinitis.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for rhinitis was granted on a presumptive basis under the PACT Act, with an effective date set at August 10, 2022.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 10 percent for service-connected functional chronic constipation is granted. The claims for a higher rating for PTSD and tension headaches, as well as the request to reopen the right shoulder pain claim are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for mild tricuspid regurgitation, bilateral knee strain, and shoulder strains are being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.,Specifically, the AOJ should obtain a new or addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right shoulder disability and a right upper extremity nerve disability is being remanded due to inadequate examination and duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not meet eligibility requirements for the PCAFC program due to his care needs not rising to a level of clinical eligibility. The case is being remanded to provide a more detailed and thoroughly explained medical opinion regarding personal care services, supervision or protection, and regular extensive instruction or supervision.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current left shoulder disability is related to his active service, including any identified in-service events, injuries, or disease. The Veteran is entitled to the combat presumption under 38 C.F.R. § 1154(b).