The Board remands the claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, degenerative arthritis of the left hand, degenerative arthritis of the right hand, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee to obtain an adequate nexus opinion.
The deciding factor: The AOJ committed a pre-decisional duty to assist error in failing to obtain an adequate nexus opinion as to whether the Veteran's bilateral hand, bilateral knee, and left shoulder disabilities were part of the disease process of the service-connected right shoulder disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, Degenerative arthritis of the left hand, Degenerative arthritis of the right hand, Degenerative joint disease of the left knee, Degenerative joint disease of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 10, 2024
- Citation
- A24065276
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 claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder to obtain an addendum opinion that considers the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development to ensure that the severity of the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is accurately assessed without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right hip, left hip, and left shoulder, as well as PTSD. The claim for a higher rating for the right knee scar was denied.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
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