CAVC Case 17-4070: Shoulder
CAVCReal U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) decision · 2017-08-25 · SCHOELEN, Judge
This is a decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims — the federal court that reviews Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions, one level above the Board. Court decisions can vacate, reverse, or affirm what the Board did.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
2026 base rates, all ratings (veteran alone)
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
Conditions Claimed
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Issues on Appeal
Service ConnectionReopen
Why It Was Decided This Way
SCHOELEN, Judge :the appellant , through counsel,appeals an August 25,2017,Board of Veteran's Appeals (Board)decision in which the Board denied service connection for the left shoulder and left ankle disorders.
Because the Board failed to fulfill its duty to assist and provide adequate reasons or bases,the Court will vacate the Board's decision and remand the matter for further proceedings consistent with this decision.
In a June 2005 rating decision,the RO determined that new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the claims for service connection for a bilateral ankle condition and left shoulder disorder had not been received.
The VA examiner opined that the appellant's left shoulder disorder was less likely as not related to his time in service.
The VA examiner determined that the appellant's left ankle disorder was less likely as not related to his time in service.
However,the Board determined that the March 2012 VA examinations conducted in connection to these claimed disorders were inadequate.
With respect to the March 2012 VA left ankle examination,the Board noted that while the VA examiner attributed the appellant's left ankle disorder to age-related factors, he did not provide a rationale or explanation in support of his theory.
With respect to the March 2012 left shoulder VA examination and medical opinion, the Board noted that,other than relying on the lack of treatment during the 33-year period,the VA examiner did not explain why a current left shoulder diagnosis was not related to the appellant's in-service episode.
Authorities Cited
Denial Type
Credibility|Not New Material|Preponderance Against|Duty To Assist|Inadequate Exam|No Current Disability
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