The Board denied service connection for left, right shoulder, right thumb, and right thigh disabilities as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's active service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's current shoulder disabilities were less likely than not incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury or event due to the lack of evidence of left shoulder pain or injuries until many years after service, and post-service treatment records are inconsistent with the Veteran's report of an onset of shoulder issues during service.
- Claimed conditions
- left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, right thumb disability, right thigh disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 24, 2025
- Citation
- A25037973
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and a right hip disability, and granted a 30 percent rating for ureterolithiasis. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, while other claims were remanded.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a right elbow disability, left hand disability, and left shoulder disability to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions in relation to the Veteran's reported in-service injuries.
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