The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on his right shoulder, left elbow, and IBS disabilities are remanded. The AOJ reduced the rating of his PTSD with alcohol use disorder to 30 percent in January 2017 without a VA examination.
The deciding factor: The reduction was made based on improvement noted in the Veteran's records since the last rating decision, which did not require a VA examination as it was an administrative action related to compensation payments.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Right Shoulder Arthritis","motion_limitation":"Noncompensable under DC 5201, but 10 percent under DC 5003 due to arthritis"}, {"condition_name":"Left Elbow Strain","motion_limitation":"Noncompensable under DC 5206, but 10 percent under DC 5003 due to arthritis"}, {"condition_name":"Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)","symptoms_description":"Mild disturbances in bowel function and rare episodes of abdominal distress"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 1, 2019
- Citation
- 19175836
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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