The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for dysesthesia of the face and scalp associated with occipital neuralgia, as his disability was moderate. Service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine and vertigo were also denied due to lack of medical nexus.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were denied because there was no evidence linking his current disabilities to service or any other etiology.
- Claimed conditions
- dysesthesia of the face and scalp associated with occipital neuralgia, arthritis of the cervical spine, vertigo
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 20, 2016
- Citation
- 1615985
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1615985.
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: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, fibromyalgia, and vertigo. The decision found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to military noise exposure during service.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, gastrointestinal (GI) disability, and vertigo are remanded for further examination and opinion.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo, finding that it is related to a head injury sustained during active duty. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The claims for service connection for hypertension, back pain, right hip pain, left hip pain, right knee pain, and left knee pain have been readjudicated. The claim for sleep apnea has also been readjudicated.,Service connection has been granted for a neck condition, back pain, right hip pain, left hip pain, right knee pain, left knee pain, an acquired psychiatric disorder, bruxism, and vertigo.
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