The Veteran's cervical spine and right shoulder disorders were not incurred or aggravated during his active duty service. The Board found that the current diagnoses are unrelated to his military service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's current cervical spine and right shoulder disorders do not have a direct link to his military service, as there is no evidence of such conditions in service records or within one year post-service.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical degenerative arthritis, Cervical stenosis, Cervical spondylolisthesis, Right shoulder bicipital tendon tear, Right shoulder rotator cuff tear, Right shoulder AC joint osteoarthritis, Right shoulder degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 25, 2023
- Citation
- 23047246
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 23047246.
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 has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by his use of pain medication due to his service-connected cervical degenerative arthritis.
- Denied
The Veteran's SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him so helpless that he needed regular aid and attendance. The criteria for SMC at the housebound rate have also not been met.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder degenerative arthritis and a functionally impairing left shoulder disability, finding that the current disabilities are related to in-service injuries sustained during combat service.
- Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder rotator cuff tear is granted as service connected, with the Board finding a causal link between his in-service injury and current symptoms.
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