The Board has restored service connection for mid back, thoracic spine strain and right ulnar neuropathy. Service connection for a cervical spine disorder was properly severed due to clear and unmistakable error.
The deciding factor: Service connection for the cervical spine disorder was initially granted based on an opinion that it was related to service, but subsequent examination found no such relationship.
- Claimed conditions
- mid back, thoracic spine strain, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, right ulnar neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 10, 2009
- Citation
- 0913394
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 0913394.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are granted as service-connected. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is remanded for further examination to determine the current severity of his condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, which grants entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation at a housebound rate is moot due to the grant of aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since June 30, 2018. The Board has granted a TDIU effective July 1, 2018.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found a duty to assist error occurred and remands the case for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's diagnosed right ulnar neuropathy is etiologically related to his active service, including conceded in-service exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
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