The Board finds that there is at least a 50% chance (equipoise) that the Veteran's left shoulder impingement syndrome and right shoulder rotator cuff tear are related to his service-connected residuals of a fracture of the right ankle with osteoarthritis.
The deciding factor: Medical evidence shows that both shoulders have experienced pain and disability since the Veteran fell down stairs, resulting in injuries to both shoulders. The Board finds that the medical opinions supporting this finding are at least as likely as not related to his service-connected right ankle injury.
- Claimed conditions
- Left shoulder impingement syndrome, Right shoulder rotator cuff tear
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 7, 2016
- Citation
- 1608894
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 1608894.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him so helpless that he needed regular aid and attendance. The criteria for SMC at the housebound rate have also not been met.
- Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder rotator cuff tear is granted as service connected, with the Board finding a causal link between his in-service injury and current symptoms.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for hypertension and remanded claims related to a low back disability, bilateral shoulder impingement syndrome, and other conditions due to insufficient evidence.
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