The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disability, including degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, left shoulder sprain, and rotator cuff tear, was not related to his active service. The preponderance of evidence did not support a grant of service connection.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner determined that the current left shoulder disabilities were more likely due to post-service injury rather than in-service strain.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, left shoulder sprain, rotator cuff tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 25, 2017
- Citation
- 1701878
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 1701878.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings and service connection were dismissed due to their death. The claims will be dismissed without prejudice.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's low back disability is granted a rating of 40 percent effective August 31, 2018. The right shoulder disability is granted a rating of 40 percent effective August 31, 2018.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tear, and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis due to stress on his joints from training and parachute jumps during active service. The evidence considered included the Veteran's statements, a private medical opinion, and a buddy statement.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right shoulder disabilities, and a new VA examination is needed to determine their likely etiology.
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