The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and left knee strain as these conditions are not related to service.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's current disabilities began during service or were otherwise related to in-service injuries, events, or diseases.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease (ddd) of the cervical spine, Degenerative disc disease (ddd) of the thoracolumbar spine, Left knee strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 22, 2018
- Citation
- 18104684
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 18104684.
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 cervical spine strain, right wrist sprain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain. The disabilities are all deemed to have begun during the Veteran's active duty.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's VR&E benefits were denied as she did not have an employment handicap and was found to be employable with her current skills, experience, and education. The appeal must be denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee strains with shin splints due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. A new VA examination is required to assess the severity of the Veteran's knee disabilities, including during flare-ups.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her lumbar spine disability and migraine headaches, have caused her to require regular aid and attendance. SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is granted.
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