The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death from metastatic adenocarcinoma of the liver. The Board finds that these conditions are minor, quiescent disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities were found to be minor, quiescent disabilities involving muscular or skeletal functions not materially affecting a vital organ (the liver).
- Claimed conditions
- spondylosis of the cervical spine, neuropathy of the right median nerve, neuropathy of the right ulnar nerve, left sciatic neuritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 29, 2010
- Citation
- 1037007
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 1037007.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal seeking an effective date prior to April 3, 2018 for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability and for eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35; a compensable rating for service-connected dry eye syndrome; and readjudication of previously denied claims of service connection for neck muscle spasms, neuropathy (claimed as deep-seated itch in the neck, shoulders, and arms), left upper extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and spondylosis of the cervical spine, with submission of new and relevant evidence, is dismissed.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a higher initial rating of the cervical spine disability and upper extremity radiculopathies to ensure consideration of additional evidence.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a higher initial rating for cervical spine disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy to ensure that all relevant evidence is obtained.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's initial rating for his cervical spine disability and left upper extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to inconsistencies in the May 2022 VA examination report. The Veteran will be afforded a new VA examination of his cervical spine disability, including clarification on the extent of additional limitation in range of motion during repetitive motion testing.
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