The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis and right knee arthritis, finding that additional medical opinions are needed to address functional loss due to flare-ups or repeated use over time.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners did not provide estimates of additional functional loss or range of motion after repeated use over time or during flare-ups, which is required by the regulations for proper evaluation of these claims.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral cataracts with pigment dispersion, diminished vision, and right eye intraocular lens implants, Left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, Right knee arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 26, 2026
- Citation
- A26017792
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 A26017792.
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 remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's right leg/knee condition is related to service, including a preexisting condition. The Veteran provided testimony and new medical records that may be relevant.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as she withdrew her appeal prior to the Board making a decision.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right knee arthritis, and left knee arthritis. The claims for PTSD and radiculopathy are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the severity of the Veteran's right knee conditions, specifically regarding the ameliorative effects of medications used for pain management. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA medical opinion addressing these issues.
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