The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the current condition and service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner's opinion was found to be more persuasive than the Veteran's subjective statements regarding the etiology of his current left shoulder conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- left shoulder tear, glenohumeral arthritis, AC joint arthritis, shoulder tendinopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 5, 2026
- Citation
- A26000314
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26000314.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right shoulder condition, including strain, tendonitis, arthritis, and gout, is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his symptoms.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, as well as rating increases for various shoulder and back conditions. The remand requires providing the Veteran with information about VA examiners who conducted his examinations, obtaining an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of his current cervical spine/neck disabilities, and reviewing all examination reports to ensure that requested information was provided.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's left shoulder disability resulted in limited motion, with a maximum rating of 20 percent prior to July 13, 2010. The Board denied an increased rating for the period prior to July 13, 2010 and granted TDIU from June 9, 2010 to February 6, 2018, as well as SMC based on need for aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions provided in prior examinations. The right shoulder disabilities, including bursitis, AC joint arthritis, rotator cuff tendonitis, and rotator cuff tear, are being examined again as they may be related to pre-existing symptoms or service-connected conditions. The right shoulder scar is also being reviewed to determine if it worsened during service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.