The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for left deltoid atrophy secondary to service-connected left shoulder disability and an increased rating claim for osteopenia of the left shoulder. The Veteran needs a VA examination to address whether his left deltoid muscle atrophy is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including his left shoulder disability.
The deciding factor: The examiner must determine if the Veteran's left deltoid muscle atrophy is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, specifically his left shoulder disability and right wrist disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- left deltoid atrophy, osteopenia of the left shoulder, degenerative joint disease of the AC joint, chronic calcific tendinitis of the left shoulder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 31, 2018
- Citation
- 18131279
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18131279.
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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's left shoulder disability was denied a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to November 12, 2013.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability was also denied a rating in excess of 30 percent from November 12, 2013.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected thoracic spine disorder, bilateral shoulder disorders, bilateral hip disorders, bilateral ankle disorders, and bilateral knee disorders have been granted a 100% evaluation effective August 27, 2015.,The Veteran's service-connected left and right shoulder osteopenia, left and right hip osteopenia with synovitis, right knee osteopenia/strain based on instability, and left knee osteopenia/strain based on instability have been granted a 20% evaluation effective September 10, 2014.
- Whole decision: Granted
The veteran's left shoulder disability and left deltoid atrophy are currently rated 20 percent disabling. The Board has found that the veteran is entitled to a separate evaluation of 10 percent for his painful left shoulder surgical scar, but denied increased ratings for his left shoulder and left deltoid disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
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