The Board found that the veteran's right rotator cuff tear and tendonitis are not related to his service-connected disability, specifically his shell fragment wound to the right shoulder. The Board also determined that the residuals of the shell fragment wound do not warrant a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner did not find any evidence linking the current right rotator cuff tear and tendonitis to the veteran's service-connected shell fragment wound or to any other service-connected condition, nor was there any indication that the disability is related to his age or natural progression of shoulder disease. The Board concluded that the veteran's current right shoulder condition does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5301.
- Claimed conditions
- Right rotator cuff tear, Tendonitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 20, 2006
- Citation
- 0632667
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right third toe disability and entitlement to TDIU due to outstanding evidence and further development.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including an acquired psychiatric disability, headache, chronic respiratory disability, fungal infection of the feet, foot disabilities, muscle pain, tendonitis, bowel disability, and hearing loss.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for PTSD, left knee condition, right knee condition, and TBI. The claims for a low back condition, right shoulder condition, and tendonitis were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including erectile dysfunction and spine conditions, to correct pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors.
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