The Board has determined that the reduction of the rating for right shoulder tendonitis from 20 percent to 10 percent was improper and restored a 20 percent rating. The issues regarding entitlement to increased ratings for right shoulder tendonitis and muscle spasms of the back are remanded due to lack of recent VA examination.
The deciding factor: The reduction in rating was found to be improper based on the absence of evidence showing actual improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Tendonitis, Muscle Spasms of the Back
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19174575
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 19174575.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death was cardiopulmonary arrest due to aspiration, and they have found a duty to assist error in their initial decision. They are now requesting a medical opinion to determine if the service-connected conditions contributed to the Veteran's death.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder tendonitis is rated at 20 percent from February 6, 2017. The rating for thoracolumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome remains at 40 percent prior to September 22, 2025 and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, as his combined service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right and left hip disabilities, including as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability. The AOJ is required to obtain new medical opinions considering all evidence of record.
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