The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's neck disability, finding that there is no medical evidence linking his current cervical spine conditions to an in-service motor vehicle accident injury. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a link between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran’s current cervical spine disabilities are not at least as likely as not related to the whiplash injury he suffered in service, based on current peer-reviewed medical literature.
- Claimed conditions
- neck injury, cervical degenerative disc disease with cervical stenosis, cervical radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 12, 2018
- Citation
- 18142039
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 18142039.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of carpal tunnel syndrome in the left upper extremity, and the Board has dismissed this case.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for reductions in disability ratings were dismissed because the proposed reductions were not final decisions and did not include a hearing request.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for cervical degenerative joint disease and cervical radiculopathy, as these issues are related to a previously service-connected lumbar spine condition. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with new medical opinions provided.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disorder. The AOJ is required to obtain new opinions addressing whether the Veteran's cervical spine disorder resulted from in-service injury or service-connected disability, and whether it was caused by or a result of his service-connected knee and/or thoracolumbar spine disabilities.
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