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Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)

The Board has remanded multiple issues related to the appellant's service connection claims, including left shoulder disability and sleep apnea. The right shoulder strain claim is also being remanded for additional evidence and a new examination. The PTSD rating and TDIU claims are inextricably intertwined with these other issues.

The deciding factor: The Board found that there were incomplete records regarding the appellant's service treatment records, particularly those from his separation examination. Additionally, the right shoulder strain claim requires further review due to the lack of a specific clinical note used for rating purposes. The PTSD and TDIU claims are also being remanded as they may be impacted by the resolution of these other issues.

Claimed conditions
left shoulder disability, sleep apnea
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
October 16, 2018
Citation
18142598

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 18142598.

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.

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