The Board has granted service connection for spinal muscular atrophy, diagnosed as Kennedy's disease, finding that the condition pre-existed service but was not aggravated by service.
The deciding factor: The evidence clearly and unmistakably shows that the Veteran's spinal muscular atrophy (Kennedy's syndrome) pre-existed service, but does not clearly and unmistakably show that this condition was not aggravated by service.
- Claimed conditions
- spinal muscular atrophy, Kennedy's syndrome
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 31, 2017
- Citation
- 1730331
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 1730331.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for spinal muscular atrophy is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and verification of his Reserve service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for Kennedy's syndrome and type 2 diabetes, finding no evidence of these conditions during or shortly after service, and no link to Agent Orange exposure.
- Granted
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
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