Shoulder Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical spine, thoracic spine, right shoulder, and left shoulder disabilities due to a lack of an adequate examination addressing the Veteran's in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left shoulder, left hand, right hand, and left hip disabilities due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and opinions regarding the nature and severity of his lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, left knee chondromalacia, right knee chondromalacia, and right shoulder acromioclavicular arthrosis during the entire claims period.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent for impairment prior to October 12, 2017 and 30 percent thereafter. The appeal has been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable Codes.

The Veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for a left shoulder disability, a compensable evaluation for hallux valgus of the left great toe, and service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder are dismissed. The Veteran's claim for migraines, including symptoms of vision loss, is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right and left shoulder disabilities due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in the September 2019 VA examination.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, which includes dislocation and degenerative joint disease, is now rated at 30 percent effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of his cervical spine disability was denied due to failure to report for a scheduled VA examination without providing good cause.,His PTSD is rated at the minimum 30 percent, and no higher rating is granted as there are intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings and service connection. The rating in excess of 20 percent for left foot disability remains denied, with the case being remanded.,Service connection is also being remanded for right wrist, bilateral shoulder, and right hip disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability does not meet VA criteria for a service connection.,Service connection is granted for migraine headaches, with evidence at least in equipoise regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for a thoracic spine disability and TDIU has been withdrawn. The Board has granted TDIU effective March 13, 2011.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for right shoulder disability, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder were all denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine, left shoulder, and right shoulder disabilities have been denied as there is no evidence to support a finding that these conditions are related to his service-connected disabilities. The claim for TDIU has also been denied due to the Veteran not meeting the schedular requirements.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as his employment history is unclear and he has worked at times throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has found that the RO substantially complied with the April 2022 Board remand directives and is still unable to make a determination on whether the Veteran is entitled to a separate compensable rating for his symptoms of right shoulder scar numbness and tingling secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disability. The matter is REMANDED for an examination regarding the nature, severity, and etiology of any such symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and increased ratings for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The evidence did not support finding that the current disabilities began during service or were related to in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various spinal and joint disabilities, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder. The VA will obtain new medical opinions to clarify whether these conditions are related to active service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to a missing VA chiropractic record dated January 4, 2008 and for obtaining an addendum opinion regarding whether any current shoulder disabilities are related to service or worsened by the service-connected back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his cervical spine, left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to inconsistencies in the examination reports. The Veteran will need a new examination to determine the current severity of these conditions.