The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative joint and disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no objective evidence supporting a direct relationship between the Veteran's current cervical spine condition and an in-service lightning strike or fall. The examiner also noted that the Veteran's degenerative changes were more likely due to age-related factors such as occupation, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint and Disc Disease of the Cervical Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 19, 2022
- Citation
- 22053178
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 22053178.
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: Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of the decision. A separate 20 percent rating for sleep impairment and muscle atrophy due to cervical spine disability is granted. Right upper extremity radiculopathy prior to November 8, 2016, is also granted a 40 percent rating.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim of service connection for a neck condition was granted, and he is now entitled to a 10 percent rating for his degenerative joint and disc disease of the cervical spine. Other claims were remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial ratings are remanded due to inadequate consideration of extraschedular criteria, lack of discussion regarding marked interference with employment, and need for additional examinations. The case is being referred back to the Director of Compensation Service for further review.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been granted. He was previously awarded a 30% rating for PTSD effective July 28, 2011.
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