The Board found that the Veteran's neck and back disabilities did not manifest during or as a result of active military service. The evidence suggested possible pre-existing conditions, but no clear and unmistakable evidence was provided to rebut this presumption.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service treatment records were silent for any complaints, treatment, or diagnoses related to his claimed neck and back disabilities. His pre-service private medical records indicated musculoligamentous injuries from a motor vehicle accident prior to enlistment but no in-service aggravation was shown.
- Claimed conditions
- Neck Disability, Upper and Lower Back Disability
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 4, 2016
- Citation
- 1642601
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 1642601.
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 has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Neck Disability, and Bilateral Upper Extremity Radiculopathy. The decision is based on the Veteran's active service and medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. Service connection is granted for PTSD, OSA, bilateral hearing loss, neck disability, right shoulder disability, right middle finger disability, right ankle disability, and left leg disability.,The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his service or service-connected conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy and neck disability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 3, 2018.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his right ankle disability and neck disability due to inadequate examinations and medical opinions.
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