The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and bilateral knee disabilities are not related to service. The evidence does not establish an in-service injury or event resulting in these conditions.
The deciding factor: There is no credible evidence of a nexus between the current diagnosed disabilities and service, including STRs which do not document any complaints or treatment for cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, or bilateral knee conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine, Thoracolumbar spine, Bilateral knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 7, 2018
- Citation
- 18101453
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18101453.
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 determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities of right and left knee, right and left foot, and thoracolumbar spine are not service-connected as they were not shown to be incurred or aggravated during his military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received with respect to all the service connection claims on appeal. The claims are being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA examinations and medical opinions to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, cervical spine, lumbar spine disability (including IVDS), right ankle, and right knee based on the evidence of record.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from May 16, 2009, to March 10, 2013. The Board granted TDIU and DEA benefits during this period.
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