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Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)

The veteran's appeal is for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right neck and upper thoracic spine with retained foreign bodies and limitation of motion of the right arm. The RO must arrange for VA orthopedic and neurological examinations, review the claims file, and readjudicate the claim considering both 'old' and 'new' rating criteria for muscle injuries.

The deciding factor: The veteran's symptoms have changed since his last examination, necessitating a new comprehensive evaluation to determine current disability levels and causation.

Claimed conditions
residuals of shell fragment wound to the right neck and upper thoracic spine with retained foreign bodies, limitation of motion of the right arm
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
December 27, 2000
Citation
0033692

This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0033692.

What this means for you

A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.

What you can do next

Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

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