The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his service-connected cervical spine disability, including any related trapezius strain and neurological symptoms. Clarification is also needed regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's reported occipital region pain and headaches.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports do not address limitation of motion caused by the myofascial trapezius strain, nor do they provide a clear assessment of any neurological symptoms associated with the cervical spine disability. Clarification is needed regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's reported occipital region pain and headaches.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical strain with degenerative changes, Severe foraminal narrowing at C2 and C3, Anterolisthesis at C2 and C3, Foraminal stenosis, Cervical spine stenosis, Myofascial trapezius strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 22, 2011
- Citation
- 1123581
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1123581.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and foraminal stenosis based on a finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a neck disorder to obtain an adequate VA medical opinion addressing the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current neck condition, including whether it is related to her military service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, left shoulder strain, and osteoarthritis of the left hip status post left hip replacement based on a nexus to the Veteran's military service as a Navy SEAL.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an error in not considering a secondary service connection theory for the Veteran's cervical spine disability, and also requires further examination to determine if any diagnosed conditions are congenital defects or diseases resulting from injuries during service.
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