The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left shoulder disability, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions. The rating for cervical spine disability is also remanded as evidence suggests a material worsening since the last examination in January 2014. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is also remanded because the audiogram associated with the September 2015 VA audiology consult has not been made part of the record.
The deciding factor: The Board found that additional medical opinions are needed to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder disability, right carpal tunnel syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, cervical spine disability, and bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient previous opinions. The rating for cervical spine disability is remanded as evidence suggests a material worsening since the last examination in January 2014. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is also remanded because the audiogram associated with the September 2015 VA audiology consult has not been made part of the record.
- Claimed conditions
- left shoulder disability, right carpal tunnel syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 17, 2018
- Citation
- 18142904
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 18142904.
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 Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence to support a finding that his current condition began in or as a result of service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as there is no current diagnosis of this condition during the appeal period.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service or any related exposure.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for residuals of gallbladder removal and remanded the other claims due to insufficient evidence.
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