The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his right shoulder disability is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran was not provided proper notice regarding his right to a pre-decisional hearing, which constitutes a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
- Claimed conditions
- right shoulder bicipital tendonitis, labral tear, glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 12, 2026
- Citation
- A26013484
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26013484.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 found that the current medical opinion is inadequate and the record is incomplete without other opinions. The Veteran's left shoulder disorder may be related to service, but a VA examination is needed to determine if it was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder disorder.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis, right knee degenerative arthritis, right shoulder bicipital tendonitis, and left shoulder bicipital tendonitis with an effective date of September 1, 2017.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed all appeals related to temporary total disability ratings for shoulder disabilities and the award of TDIU with an effective date prior to March 25, 2015.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of adequate examination addressing all diagnosed conditions, including right shoulder strain, bicipital tendonitis, and glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.