The Board has denied service connection for a right shoulder disorder, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a link to active service.,Service connection was also denied for a right ankle disorder. The Board found no in-service injury or disease and noted that current symptoms began decades after separation from service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right shoulder condition, diagnosed as rotator cuff tear and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, was not shown to have begun during active service. The examiner opined it is more likely related to aging and occupational stressors rather than an in-service injury or disease.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Right Shoulder Disorder"}, {"condition_name":"Right Ankle Disorder"}, {"condition_name":"Acquired Psychiatric Disability (PTSD)"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 15, 2019
- Citation
- 19178620
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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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