The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions of blepharospasm and cervical dystonia/spasmodic torticollis are not service-connected, as there is no evidence showing their onset in service or association with herbicide exposure. The VA expert concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support a link between Agent Orange exposure and the Veteran's condition.
The deciding factor: The VA expert found no evidence of a causal relationship between the Veteran's claimed conditions and his presumed exposure to herbicides, including Agent Orange.
- Claimed conditions
- blepharospasm, cervical dystonia/spasmodic torticollis
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 2, 2011
- Citation
- 1104183
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 1104183.
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 granted an initial 10 percent rating for the Veteran's right eye hemifacial spasm and blepharospam, finding that his symptoms resulted in moderate incomplete paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for his service-connected eye disability (blepharospasm, PCIOL, photophobia, and conjunctival scar superior under lid, left eye) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's blepharospasm symptoms more nearly approximated severe convulsive tics as of September 18, 2012. The Board granted a 30 percent rating for this condition starting from that date.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinions and lack of compliance with previous requests for additional development. The Veteran's blepharospasm is being reviewed again as part of this process.
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. How we handle your email.
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.