The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic left shoulder disability and left wrist carpal tunnel are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. The examination should address whether any left shoulder disability began during service, was noted during service with continuity of symptoms since service, or is related to other service-connected disabilities such as cervical spine disability or falls from a lumbar spine disability.
The deciding factor: The remand is required due to the need for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any left shoulder disability and whether it is related to service or service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic left shoulder disability, left wrist carpal tunnel
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 14, 2021
- Citation
- 21063485
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 21063485.
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 for left wrist osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome due to potential secondary service connection via aggravation of a pre-existing condition. The Veteran's service records indicate chronic pain in his left hand, including during military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected left wrist disability, vertigo, and tinnitus have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that he is entitled to a TDIU based on these conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and menopause, granted an increased disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD from April 29, 2023, and remanded claims for service connection for a right knee disability, left wrist carpal tunnel, and bilateral flat feet.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a chronic cervical spine disability and a chronic left shoulder disability, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
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