The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and bilateral shoulder arthritis, but granted a 40% rating for chronic lumbosacral strain.
The deciding factor: Medical evidence did not support a link between current neck or shoulder conditions and service. The only medical opinion in favor of the veteran was based on an unsupported premise (remote injury during service).
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, Bilateral shoulder arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 22, 2002
- Citation
- 0202707
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0202707.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, left shoulder strain, and osteoarthritis of the left hip status post left hip replacement based on a nexus to the Veteran's military service as a Navy SEAL.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, left and right upper extremity radiculopathy, as secondary to a service-connected lower back disability.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and carpal tunnel syndrome based on continuity of symptomatology since separation from service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and entitlement to TDIU due to the need for a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's symptoms amount to functional ankylosis.
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