The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation, SMC based on loss of use of the left upper extremity, and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance are being remanded due to insufficient evidence. Further development is needed to determine if the service-connected conditions result in loss of use of the hand or upper extremity.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims require further examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities result in loss of use of the left hand or upper extremity, which would affect SMC determinations.
- Claimed conditions
- overuse syndrome, left hand, left rotator cuff impingement syndrome, degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder, left carpal tunnel syndrome, left cubital syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2013
- Citation
- 1340736
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 1340736.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases due to a duty to assist error, requiring new VA examinations for the appellant's left carpal tunnel syndrome and left wrist osteoarthritis.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal as it found that the benefits originally sought have been granted in full, and thus there is no longer a specific error of fact or law to address.
- Granted
The Veteran's left and right carpal tunnel syndrome have been granted increased ratings to 20% and 30%, respectively, effective from the date of the decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for hypertension, left carpal tunnel syndrome, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and a left foot condition must be remanded due to inadequate medical opinions. The claim for an effective date of February 25, 2024 for bipolar disorder is granted.
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