The veteran is seeking increased ratings for his service-connected neck and right shoulder disabilities. The RO has not considered the neurologic component of these disabilities in adjudicating the current rating assignments, so further development, including an examination to clarify all symptoms and determine which are related to the veteran's service-connected disabilities, is warranted.
The deciding factor: The VA Regional Office (RO) did not consider the neurologic component of the veteran's neck and right shoulder disabilities in assigning the current ratings, leading to potential inaccuracies. Further evaluation is needed to accurately assess these conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- neck disability, right shoulder disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 9, 2002
- Citation
- 0217684
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0217684.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities to the AOJ for further development and consideration of evidence not previously considered.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and a right hip disability, and granted a 30 percent rating for ureterolithiasis. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, while other claims were remanded.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death, as an appellant's claim does not survive their death.
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