The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability, including rotator cuff syndrome and acromioclavicular degenerative joint disease. The evidence did not support a finding of chronicity or continuity of symptomatology since service discharge, nor was there any medical evidence linking the current condition to active service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found it less likely than not that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is etiologically related to his active service.
- Claimed conditions
- left shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff syndrome, acromioclavicular degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 19, 2016
- Citation
- 1606351
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1606351.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and dismissed all other appeals related to various joint conditions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal concerning service connection for left shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff tear (non-dominant), and bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and chronic sinusitis are not service-connected as there is no evidence of current disabilities.,The Veteran does not have a diagnosed condition of left hand arthritis, right hand arthritis, or shoulder arthritis.
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