The Board denied service connection for right wrist, right elbow, and left elbow disabilities as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.
The deciding factor: The October 2023 VA examination found that the Veteran's current elbow and wrist conditions were less likely than not incurred in or caused by service, given the lack of complaints during service and for more than 40 years after service, combined with his job as a truck driver which is known to cause similar issues.
- Claimed conditions
- right wrist disability, right elbow disability, left elbow disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 16, 2025
- Citation
- A25035238
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for another VA examination and opinion as the previous examinations were found to be inadequate.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the appeal for further examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral upper extremity disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for gastrointestinal disability and denied earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for allergic rhinitis, migraine headaches, PTSD, and tinnitus. The Board also denied increased ratings for allergic rhinitis and tinnitus and remanded claims for service connection for right elbow disability.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions of the left and right hands, shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, ankles, and foot, but granted service connection for a right knee disability and fibromyalgia. The decision was based on medical evidence that did not support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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