The Veteran's disability rating for his service-connected regional myofascial pain syndrome associated with degenerative arthritis of cervical spine and regional myofascial pain syndrome with residual shooting pain in the left hand, spasm and hand closure previously rated as radiculopathy LUE is restored to 30 percent effective April 1, 2018. The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are remanded due to inadequate VA examination.
The deciding factor: The February 2020 VA examination was found to be inadequate and did not consider the private medical records or distinguish between findings from different examinations.
- Claimed conditions
- Regional Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Degenerative Arthritis of Cervical Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- December 4, 2023
- Citation
- A23034354
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 A23034354.
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 case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The appeal is now pending for further development and evaluation.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities have been rated based on limitation of motion, with no evidence of ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for her back disability.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability has also been rated based on limitation of motion. She is not entitled to a higher rating.
- Granted
Service connection is granted for left shoulder arthritis and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine.,Service connection is denied for a respiratory disability, and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent is denied for myopia gland dysfunction of the bilateral eyes.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of her claims, including obtaining SSA records.
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