The Board denied service connection for chronic cervical strain and radiculopathy with degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, finding that it is not related to service or a service-connected condition. Service connection was also denied for left bicipital tendonitis and shoulder rotator cuff degeneration, as the examiner opined that these conditions may be related to a shrapnel injury in Vietnam.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the veteran's current cervical spine disability is not due to service or a service-connected condition. The VA examiner stated that it is possible but cannot be more specific than 'that' that the left bicipital tendonitis and rotator cuff degeneration of the shoulder may be related to the shrapnel injury in Vietnam.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic cervical strain and radiculopathy with degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, Left bicipital tendonitis and shoulder rotator cuff degeneration
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 18, 2003
- Citation
- 0316557
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0316557.
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: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service or any related exposure.
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