The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disability was denied as there is no evidence of chronic or long-term headaches during active service, and the current condition is not related to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability was granted as his current cervical strain and degenerative arthritis are at least as likely as not caused by carrying a radio on his back during active service.
The deciding factor: There is no evidence of chronic or long-term headaches in the Veteran’s STRs, and the Veteran's statements about onset during service are inconsistent with the objective medical records.,The VA examiner determined that the current neck disability is at least as likely as not caused by carrying a radio on his back during active service.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Headache disability","claimed_conditions":["headache"]}, {"condition_name":"Neck disability","claimed_conditions":["neck pain","cervical strain","degenerative arthritis of the spine"]}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 27, 2020
- Citation
- 20069439
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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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