Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a right shoulder disorder, and thus requires further examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated at 10 percent prior to May 2, 2017. Since then, a higher rating of 20 percent has been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection of right shoulder impingement syndrome, finding no new and material evidence that would establish a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to the need for additional medical examinations and information from the Veteran.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for increased ratings for left (dominant) shoulder tendonitis. The case is being remanded to schedule an additional examination.

The Veteran's initial rating for his service-connected impingement syndrome of the right shoulder was increased to 20 percent in June 2015. The appeal is still pending as the requested increase did not fully satisfy the appellant’s request for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including right hand disability, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, and right leg disability. The Board also ordered a remand for additional examinations regarding lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity radiculopathy, depressive disorder, hypertension, heart disability, an earlier effective date for service connection of left lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU. The Veteran's claims are also inextricably intertwined with the issues being remanded.

The Veteran's sleep disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder disability. His left shoulder scar remains at a 10 percent rating, and diabetes mellitus continues with a 20 percent rating. The Board finds the evidence in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran should receive a higher rating for his left shoulder disability, but remands this issue due to new evidence. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is related to the increased rating of the left shoulder.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and the identification of outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a separate rating for limitation of motion should be considered. The VA examination report did not comply with the requirements set forth in Correia v. McDonald (2016), and thus a remand for a compliant examination is necessary.

The Board has remanded two issues: the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right shoulder disability and associated scars. The issues are inextricably intertwined with a TDIU claim, which is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since April 17, 2018. A TDIU rating is granted from that date.

The Board denied service connection for a left arm and shoulder disorder, finding no evidence of such condition in service or post-service. For the neck disorder claim, the Board found insufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's current symptoms and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not receive notice of scheduled VA examinations for his service connection claims and requests rescheduling. The issues are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has denied service connection for a prostate condition and remanded the issues of service connection for transient ischemic attack (TIA) residuals, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, and entitlement to SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent prior to October 1, 2015, and the rating has been increased to 30 percent from October 1, 2015 to February 2, 2018. The claim for an increase in ratings beyond this point remains pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right shoulder disability were evaluated, with the Board finding that a compensable rating for hearing loss prior to March 9, 2017, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter is not warranted. The Board also found that remand was necessary for further examination regarding his right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, left shoulder impingement syndrome and degenerative joint disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for various conditions, including left shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, left foot disability, right foot disability, hearing loss (right ear), GERD, skin condition, radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities, and a nervous condition. The Board also dismissed the claim for lumbago and sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right shoulder disability is remanded due to the need for a proper VA examination.