The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spines, peripheral neuropathy, and skin cancer have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service. The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam or on inland waterways where he could be presumed exposed to herbicides.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service records do not show any in-country service in Vietnam, and there is no evidence of exposure to herbicides during active duty.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease (cervical spine), Degenerative disc disease (lumbar spine), Peripheral neuropathy, Skin cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 15, 2011
- Citation
- 1110252
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 1110252.
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 connection claims for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities have been granted due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection and special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of the left hand due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy.,The Board also denied service connection and SMC for loss of use of the right hand due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, have rendered her unable to complete daily activities without assistance. The Board has determined that she is in need of regular aid and attendance due to her physical incapacities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to errors in pre-decisional duty to assist and other statutory and regulatory duties. The appellant is not provided with proper notice for a cause of death claim, and further development is needed regarding herbicide agent exposure and radiation exposure during service.
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