The Board remands the claims for increased initial evaluations of degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, left shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis, and right shoulder degenerative arthritis due to inadequate VA examinations.
The deciding factor: The January 2020 VA examination and March 2020 disability benefit questionnaires were found inadequate as they did not utilize a goniometer for range of motion measurements and the Veteran denied flare-ups during the examination, but later reported significant flare-ups. Additionally, there may be outstanding military personnel and service treatment records regarding the Veteran's Reserve and National Guard service.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, Left shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis, Right shoulder degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 23, 2025
- Citation
- A25110427
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