The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain an addendum opinion from a VA orthopedic specialist regarding the etiology of his left shoulder disorder and whether it is related to his service-connected right shoulder disorder.
The deciding factor: The examiner did not provide adequate explanations in support of their opinions, particularly regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current left shoulder disability and his service-connected right shoulder disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- AC joint osteoarthritis, mild tendinosis of the supraspinatus tendon, Grade I strain of the deltoid muscle, mild degenerative changes of the AC joint, rotator cuff tendonitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 29, 2015
- Citation
- 1554178
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 1554178.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining clarification from the August 2017 VA examiner regarding which symptoms are related to his service-connected left trapezius strain and whether any non-service-connected conditions represent a progression of that disability.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal regarding a rating for muscle atrophy due to thoracic outlet syndrome and related conditions has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbosacral strain and acquired psychiatric disability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected conditions.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis with rotator cuff tendonitis and shoulder strain, left shoulder, finding that the Veteran's current disability is at least as likely as not incurred in or caused by his in-service treatment.
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