The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck condition is not service-connected, as it is more likely due to natural progression of age-related degenerative changes rather than an in-service injury or exposure. The claim for secondary service connection was also denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner concluded that the current cervical spine and spondylosis conditions are more likely due to natural progression with age, not related to a previous in-service injury or exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the cervical spine, Cervical spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 1, 2009
- Citation
- 0932859
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 0932859.
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 granted the readjudication of the claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, but denied the claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and breathing condition.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's cervical spondylosis, right ankle disability, and upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities are being remanded for additional examinations to determine their severity prior to September 6, 2024.,The Veteran's right lateral epicondylitis (limitation of pronation) and painful motion disabilities are also being remanded for additional examination to assess their severity prior to September 6, 2024. Effective dates will be granted upon resolution of these issues.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's application for PCAFC was denied because the evidence did not show that he needed personal care services due to an inability to perform ADLs or a need for supervision, protection, or instruction. The November 2022 decision by the VA found that his needs were temporary and would resolve within six months.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative changes of the cervical spine and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that new evidence supports these claims. Service connection is also granted for a musculoskeletal disability of the neck/upper back.
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