The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service-connected, with the onset likely in-service.,Service connection for a left shoulder disorder secondary to right shoulder strain is denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no evidence of a direct link between the Veteran’s service-connected right shoulder condition and his current left shoulder disability. The Veteran's own opinion was not considered sufficient due to lack of medical training.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"sleep apnea","diagnosis_date":null,"discharge_date":null}, {"condition_name":"left shoulder disorder (glenohumeral osteoarthritis, acromioclavicular joint arthritis, and bilateral shoulder impingement syndrome/rotator cuff tendinopathy)","diagnosis_date":2012,"discharge_date":null}, {"condition_name":"lumbosacral strain (mild with spondylosis and mild disc degeneration at L2-L3)","diagnosis_date":2011,"discharge_date":null}, {"condition_name":"left shin splints","diagnosis_date":null,"discharge_date":null}, {"condition_name":"right shin splints","diagnosis_date":null,"discharge_date":null}, {"condition_name":"right shoulder strain","diagnosis_date":null,"discharge_date":null}, {"condition_name":"allergic rhinitis","diagnosis_date":null,"discharge_date":null}, {"condition_name":"hypertension","diagnosis_date":null,"discharge_date":null}, {"condition_name":"tension headaches","diagnosis_date":null,"discharge_date":null}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 28, 2019
- Citation
- 19150664
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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