The Board remands the claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right shoulder, and left shoulder due to inadequate VA medical opinions.
The deciding factor: The May 2024 VA examiner did not adequately address the Veteran's reported symptoms and medical history, particularly regarding back pain and shoulder pain, as well as the potential aggravation by service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine (low back disability), Degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder, Degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 1, 2024
- Citation
- 24032563
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 remands the claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, right shoulder, and right wrist due to a need for additional development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for cervical spine, right shoulder, right and left hip, and right and left knee disorders as secondary to a back disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their relationship with the back disability.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The claims for headaches and gastrointestinal issues were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right shoulder, and left shoulder due to inadequate medical opinions.
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