The VA determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of an upper back injury, including multiple nerve problems in the head, neck and back, misalignment of the back and neck, twitching, and muscle spasms.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not provide a factual basis to conclude that the veteran had upper back injury with related problems that was incurred in or aggravated during service.
- Claimed conditions
- upper back injury, multiple nerve problems in the head, neck and back, misalignment of the back and neck, twitching, muscle spasms
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 8, 2002
- Citation
- 0204212
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 0204212.
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 Veteran's right hip pain, muscle spasms, Bell's palsy, trouble breathing, and shaving profile/skin condition are all granted service connection. However, the claims for muscle spasms, Bell's palsy, trouble breathing, and shaving profile/skin condition were denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is being remanded due to insufficient evidence in the March 2025 decision. The Board requires a medical opinion from CEAT regarding the Veteran's need for personal care services and supervision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for a new examination and opinion to determine if the Veteran's lower back disability is related to service, including his in-service injuries.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, headache, sleep disorder, sore throat, and upper back disability have all been denied as there is no persuasive evidence of current disabilities in any of these conditions.,There are no persuasive medical findings or diagnoses supporting the presence of a current hearing loss, headache, sleep disorder, sore throat, or upper back disability.
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.