The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his right shoulder condition and TDIU are being remanded due to the inadequacy of prior VA examinations. The case will be returned for further evaluation.
The deciding factor: The previous VA examinations were inadequate, lacking specific findings regarding range of motion during flare-ups and functional loss caused by pain.
- Claimed conditions
- Right shoulder rotator cuff tear, Degenerative joint disease (dominant)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20066359
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.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased rating for the right shoulder rotator cuff tear, finding that the disability did not meet or more nearly approximate limitation of motion to midway between the side and shoulder level.
- 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.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.