The Board denied service connection for low back and neck disorders, finding no evidence of a relationship between current conditions and active duty service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's current lumbar and cervical spine conditions are less likely related to his in-service injury due to lack of progression or chronicity post-service.
- Claimed conditions
- low back/lumbar spine disorder, neck/cervical spine disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18136144
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 18136144.
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 denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, TBI, and a neck/cervical spine disorder due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding her left ankle disorder, neck/cervical spine disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities, and residuals of a traumatic brain injury.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for bilateral hearing loss and granted service connection for depression and anxiety disorders, PTSD with depression and anxiety, low back disorder, neck/cervical spine disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction. The decision on these issues is based on their merits.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for a left ankle disorder, CTS of the upper extremities, and various hip and knee disorders. The Veteran is also seeking higher initial ratings for her lumbar spine and right hip disabilities.
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