The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and muscle spasms of the cervical spine, as these conditions are claimed to be secondary to service-connected temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). The VA examiner is asked to provide an addendum opinion addressing the nature and etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Board found that substantial compliance with its prior remand was not achieved due to deficiencies in the previous medical opinions, particularly regarding the relationship between the service-connected TMJ disability and the claimed cervical spine disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, Muscle spasms of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 3, 2018
- Citation
- 18140354
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 18140354.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, left shoulder strain, and osteoarthritis of the left hip status post left hip replacement based on a nexus to the Veteran's military service as a Navy SEAL.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, left and right upper extremity radiculopathy, as secondary to a service-connected lower back disability.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and carpal tunnel syndrome based on continuity of symptomatology since separation from service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and entitlement to TDIU due to the need for a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's symptoms amount to functional ankylosis.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.