The Board has determined that the Veteran's Chiari I malformation is a congenital defect and not subject to service connection as it was present at birth. The preponderance of evidence does not support findings of aggravation during service or any other link between the condition and active duty.
The deciding factor: There is no clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's Chiari I malformation was aggravated by service, nor are there reports of sudden worsening of symptoms during service. The condition was present at birth and not shown to have been aggravated by service activities.
- Claimed conditions
- Chiari I malformation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 19, 2019
- Citation
- 19172911
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 19172911.
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 service connection for Chiari I malformation with syringomyelia, including residuals of surgical treatment, finding that the Veteran's condition was a congenital defect and there was no additional disability superimposed by service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to an incongruity in the opinion regarding the Veteran's Chiari I malformation and is requesting additional clarification.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a new medical opinion regarding whether any of the appellant's disorders are forms or manifestations of spina bifida other than spina bifida occulta.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the appellant's condition and need for a VA examination.
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