Shoulder Board decisions

The Veteran's hypothyroidism is granted a rating of 100 percent, and the left shoulder disability, GERD, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are all granted specific ratings. The TDIU and SMC claims were denied.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was granted a 40 percent rating effective April 29, 2015. The condition is rated under the criteria for limitation of motion of the major arm.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the issues on appeal, including obtaining relevant treatment records and medical examinations to evaluate the Veteran's GERD and shoulder disabilities. The remand also includes requesting clarification of certain laboratory testing results and addendum opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder capsulitis and bicipital tendonitis prior to October 19, 2016. He is granted a 30 percent rating from December 1, 2017, to May 22, 2023, and a 60 percent rating thereafter for his left shoulder disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of respiratory disability (including COPD and asthma), chest pain disability (including costochondritis), and right shoulder arthritis, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's left shoulder impingement syndrome with osteoarthritis and lumbosacral strain with mild degenerative disc disease have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of July 14, 2005 for SMC based on housebound status is granted. The decision finds that the Veteran has a single disability rated as total (left knee disability via extraschedular TDIU from February 25, 2005) and separate service-connected disabilities ratable at a combined 60 percent disabling (acquired psychiatric disorder at 70 percent from July 14, 2005), as required by the law.

The Veteran's right shoulder tendinitis is granted service connection and assigned a non-compensable rating.,The Veteran's tinea cruris is denied an increased rating as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions including bilateral shoulder arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, neck pain, arthritis of the low back, and right hand arthritis due to inconsistencies in his statements regarding the onset and chronicity of symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 30 percent for his service-connected left shoulder disability is denied from March 8, 2024 to July 30, 2024. Service connection for the claimed 'muscle hernia' and low back disability are also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 20% rating for his service-connected right shoulder disability is denied. The earliest effective date allowed by law is September 17, 2024.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of July 15, 2013 for the grant of service connection for a left shoulder disability is granted. The initial rating for a left shoulder disability remains at 20 percent. The claim for TDIU earlier than September 25, 2020 is denied.

The Board has issued a decision granting service connection for left shoulder, but the case is being remanded due to an error in notification of hearing rights.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of right hip degenerative arthritis due to inadequate examination and lack of opinion.

The Veteran's low back disability appeal was withdrawn and dismissed.,Service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to service-connected insomnia, is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to readjudicate his previously denied claims for posttraumatic stress disorder, right shoulder disability, and right ankle disability. The claims are being remanded due to errors in satisfying VA's statutory duties under the PACT Act.

The appeal for service connection for adjustment disorder with depressed mood is dismissed. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The claim of service connection for joint pain, including the bilateral ankles, shoulders, hands, and hips, is remanded.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 40 percent, the maximum available under VA regulations.,The Veteran's left shoulder calcific tendinitis is rated at 30 percent, the maximum available under VA regulations.