Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Whole decision: Denied

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a chronic left rhomboid or cervical spine disability in service, and the medical opinion provided does not support a finding that any current disabilities are related to service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The deciding factor: The February 2006 VA physician's opinion found no direct link between the Veteran's complaints of left-sided cervical pain in March 1990 and his subsequent shoulder and cervical spine symptoms, and did not find any relationship between a current left shoulder or rhomboid condition and any right rhomboid condition incurred during service.

Claimed conditions
left rhomboid/left cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
July 14, 2010
Citation
1026129

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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1026129.

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.

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.