The Board has dismissed the issue of entitlement to a compensable initial rating for scars of the right shoulder and upper back. The issues of service connection for left middle finger disability, right little finger disability, higher initial ratings for right shoulder degenerative joint disease, left knee strain, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are REMANDED.
The deciding factor: The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to a compensable initial rating for scars of the right shoulder and upper back during the January 2019 Board hearing. The issues of service connection and increased ratings remain pending.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Left Middle Finger Disability"}, {"condition_name":"Right Little Finger Disability"}, {"condition_name":"Right Shoulder Degenerative Joint Disease"}, {"condition_name":"Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)"}, {"condition_name":"Left Knee Strain"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 23, 2019
- Citation
- 19131046
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 Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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