The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for lumbosacral spondylosis and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, as well as right shoulder impingement syndrome with rotator cuff tendonitis, is being remanded due to inadequate addendum opinions from VA examiners.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the provided retrospective opinions were not in compliance with the October 2022 remand directives and thus requires additional examination and opinion.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral spondylosis, degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, left paracentral disc at L3-L4, right shoulder impingement syndrome with rotator cuff tendonitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 14, 2023
- Citation
- 23051042
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 23051042.
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 determined that the claim for eligibility to enroll in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is remanded due to insufficient evidence and lack of proper notice. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in a need for personal care services, but this determination was made without adequate medical justification or explanation.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a labral tear and cartilage defect of the left shoulder, DDD of the lumbar spine, and SI joint dysfunction due to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability. The decision is based on the current disabilities being causally related to injuries sustained during service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lumbosacral spondylosis is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board has determined that a remand is necessary to correct any errors in the evaluation process.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted based on the severity of his symptoms.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a bilateral hip disorder, manifested by pain and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine. The claim for a hand disorder was denied.
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