The Board denied service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the cervical spine, finding that there is no evidence linking the condition to service or any presumptive conditions.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no causal relationship between the Veteran's current IVDS and his service, including exposure to environmental hazards in Southwest Asia.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 21, 2020
- Citation
- 20004638
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The veteran's disability rating for IVDS of the cervical spine was restored to 20 percent. Service connection was granted for left and right upper extremity radiculopathy. Other issues were remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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