The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease, finding that it is etiologically related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability. The decision also notes that there is no evidence of arthritis within one year after discharge from service and that direct service connection can be established when a current diagnosis exists.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the cervical spine disorder was less likely caused by or related to the service-connected bilateral shoulder disability, but more likely due to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability. The opinion of Dr. WDS provided additional support for this finding.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 10, 2012
- Citation
- 1242121
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 1242121.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as the increase in severity of his conditions was not factually ascertainable within one year prior to March 30, 2023.,The effective dates for the grants of service connection for left knee instability and right knee instability are also denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there were duty to assist errors and remanded the case for further development, including a new examination of the Veteran's cervical spine disability.
- Denied
The Board denied a higher disability rating for the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative joint disease, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to August 18, 2022.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected orthopedic disabilities was granted.
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.
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.