The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his left shoulder condition, L4-L5 lumbar spondylosis with sclerotic changes of the left sacroiliac joint, bilateral foot strain with mild hallux valgus, and right foot strain with mild hallux valgus. The remand requires obtaining an addendum opinion on the nature and etiology of his left shoulder glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, determining whether it is at least as likely as not related to service or aggravated by service. It also requires scheduling a VA examination for his L4-L5 lumbar spondylosis with sclerotic changes of the left sacroiliac joint and bilateral foot strain.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was insufficient evidence in the record regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder condition, particularly whether it is related to service or aggravated by service. The remand also requires obtaining an addendum opinion on these issues.
- Claimed conditions
- left shoulder condition, L4-L5 lumbar spondylosis with sclerotic changes of the left sacroiliac joint, bilateral foot strain with mild hallux valgus
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20025198
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 20025198.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his request.,Service connection for a back condition is denied as there is no evidence that the condition began during service or is related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for sleep apnea and a left shoulder condition due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal.
- Denied
The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability for any of the claimed conditions, and thus service connection cannot be granted.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.