The Board denied service connection for torticollis, claimed as secondary to a low back disability (spondylolisthesis L4-5 with degenerative disc disease), and denied entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the Veteran's need for aid and attendance.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s torticollis was less likely than not proximately due to or the result of her service-connected low back disability, and there was no evidence in the record supporting a nexus between the torticollis and her service-connected disabilities. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for aid and attendance as she could perform many activities of daily living without significant assistance.
- Claimed conditions
- torticollis, spondylolisthesis L4-5 with degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 9, 2021
- Citation
- 21013432
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 21013432.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The issues of entitlement to service connection for neck disability, torticollis, back disability, and essential tremors are now before the Board.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran should be afforded another opportunity to undergo VA examinations for his service-connected cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral knee disabilities due to concerns related to the COVID pandemic. The claims for increased evaluations are subject to denial if the Veteran fails to appear for the scheduled examinations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his neck and left knee disabilities, as well as service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep apnea are being remanded due to outstanding records not having been obtained. The Veteran's VA treatment records suggest there may be relevant private treatment records that have not been associated with the claims file.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for torticollis, SMC based on the Veteran's need for aid and attendance, and recognition of J.M. as the helpless child of the Veteran. The appeal is inextricably intertwined with the issue of claimant eligibility for substitution.
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