The Board granted service connection for cervical-spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is directly caused by his in-service wear and carry of heavy equipment. However, it denied service connection for thoracolumbar-spine disorder due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.,Service connection was established for cervical spine issues based on chronicity and a nexus between in-service injury and current disability. The Board found no direct link between the Veteran's thoracic spine disorder and his military service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran’s cervical-spine disorder is directly caused by the wearing of ballistic vest and carrying heavy equipment during active service, establishing a chronicity of symptoms and a nexus to service.,For the thoracolumbar spine issue, the VA examiner found no evidence of any back complaints or treatment during military service. The Board agreed with this conclusion.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical-spine disorder, thoracolumbar-spine disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 14, 2021
- Citation
- 21021870
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21021870.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical-spine disorder, right-upper-extremity radiculopathy, and left-upper-extremity radiculopathy claims should be remanded due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors.
- Granted
The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for right-knee disorder, left-knee disorder, cervical-spine disorder, thoracic-spine disorder, and lumbar-spine disorder. The gastrointestinal disorder claim remains denied as there is no evidence supporting its service connection.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for thoracolumbar-spine disorder, finding that it is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected right-knee disorder.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to need the regular aid and assistance of another person, which has been granted for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.
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