The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine radiculopathy, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to his in-service injury and noting conflicting medical opinions.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found the Veteran’s current cervical spine disability less likely than not related to his in-service strain due to lack of continuity of symptoms post-service and conflicting medical records.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine radiculopathy, Cervical disc disease with radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20080880
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including cervical disc disease with radiculopathy, is related to his in-service injury. However, the VA examiner did not provide an adequate rationale for linking the current cervical disc disease to the in-service cervical strain. Therefore, a new examination is needed.
- 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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