The Board has referred the issue of service connection for a right shoulder disorder to the AOJ. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is remanded due to the need for a comprehensive VA examination and an addendum opinion from an orthopedic surgeon.
The deciding factor: The decision requires additional evidence and clarification regarding the service connection and compensation claims, specifically needing a comprehensive VA examination and an addendum opinion from an orthopedic surgeon.
- Claimed conditions
- Right shoulder osteoarthritis, Right shoulder infection
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18136602
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 18136602.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran was granted a TDIU from June 30, 2011 to June 28, 2013 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right shoulder osteoarthritis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side, which is required for a higher rating under DC 5201. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a right upper extremity nerve disability due to inadequate examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his psychiatric disorder and physical conditions like right shoulder osteoarthritis, prevented him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a TDIU rating based on the combined effects of these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding his reported in-service injuries and self-medication.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.