The Board has determined that the appellant's chronic cervical strain was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, while his chronic lumbosacral strain is considered to be at least as likely as not related to service.
The deciding factor: Service connection for the appellant's chronic cervical strain could not be established due to lack of credible evidence linking it to service. The Board found that the appellant's current neck complaints were not consistent with initial treatment in 1976 or his later complaints in 1991, and concluded that these were not related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic cervical strain, Chronic lumbosacral strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 15, 2010
- Citation
- 1042821
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 1042821.
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 Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment as of May 24, 2010.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to obtain an adequate examination.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain is denied. Separate ratings for radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities are granted.
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