The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20% under the old rating criteria. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an updated VA examination and determine the current severity of the service-connected condition without considering any ameliorative effects of medication.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the AOJ's rating decision did not satisfy its regulatory duty to apply the relevant rating criteria, specifically regarding actual range-of-motion testing and discounting any ameliorative effect of medication.
- Claimed conditions
- Right rotator cuff tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 15, 2026
- Citation
- A26035337
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 A26035337.
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
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right shoulder disability, specifically his right rotator cuff tear, is rated at 30 percent since December 2013. The Board found that the evidence does not show a limitation of motion to 25 degrees from side during any part of the appeal period.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right rotator cuff tear and glenohumeral joint instability are rated at 20 percent effective December 22, 2021.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed because he has a 100% schedular rating for ischemic heart disease and SMC benefits based on statutory housebound status due to other service-connected disabilities, rendering the TDIU claim moot.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a right shoulder disability, to include as secondary to service-connected knee disabilities, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding causation and aggravation.
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.