The Board denied service connection for left-hand, right-hand degenerative arthritis (other than posttraumatic), and right shoulder osteoarthritis as the evidence did not support a link to the Veteran's active military service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners concluded that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis was less likely related to his in-service events and more commonly associated with age-related wear and tear, thus denying service connection on a direct basis.
- Claimed conditions
- left-hand degenerative arthritis, other than posttraumatic, right-hand degenerative arthritis, other than posttraumatic, right shoulder, glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 8, 2025
- Citation
- A25041799
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal concerning the service connection for various conditions and the propriety of a rating reduction has been withdrawn by the Appellant.
- Dismissed
The Board denied the veteran's appeals for service connection due to untimely filings.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected left knee and right shoulder disabilities, along with compensation benefits awarded under 38 USC § 1151 for a right bicep detachment during shoulder surgery, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from December 22, 2011 to December 11, 2016.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for left hip osteoarthritis and right hip osteoarthritis as secondary to the Veteran's now service-connected knee disabilities, but denied service connection for a variety of other conditions including bilateral ankle, shoulder, foot, mood disorder, tinnitus, hyperlipidemia, and knees.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.