The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for a left arm disability and total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to December 9, 2014. The Veteran's left arm disability includes tremors, weakness in grip strength, numbness affecting his left upper extremity, and pain from the elbow to his hand. An addendum opinion is needed regarding the nature and etiology of these symptoms.
The deciding factor: The Board found that an addendum medical opinion was necessary due to flawed opinions on causation and aggravation in the previous VA examination.
- Claimed conditions
- left arm disability, essential tremors
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 3, 2020
- Citation
- 20058541
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 20058541.
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 Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to potential exposure to hazardous materials and Agent Orange during military service. The Veteran's Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record (ILER) needs to be obtained, and further development is needed concerning his alleged exposure to hazardous air contaminants at Hill Air Force Base, Agent Orange on C-123 Aircraft, dioxins at Kadena Air Base, and chemicals in the drinking water at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for all claims of service connection, including those for bilateral flat feet, thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, right CTS, left CTS, essential tremors, right ankle arthritis, right shoulder arthritis, and left knee arthritis. The appeal of sleep apnea was granted in a July 2024 rating decision.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, left arm, and right knee disabilities have been granted due to new evidence presented. The cases are being remanded for further examination and rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection for right shoulder degenerative arthritis is granted. The claims for higher ratings for bilateral pes cavus, left ankle impingement, and left knee disability are remanded due to the need for additional evidence.
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