The appeal for service connection for cervical degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome was denied as the evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's claimed cervical spine disorder is related to service.
The deciding factor: The February 2024 VA examiner determined it was less likely than not that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder was related to service, citing the lack of continuous neck pain since service and the first evidence of cervical degenerative joint disease or disc disease in a private MRI from February 2021.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 6, 2025
- Citation
- A25041296
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.
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The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and granted increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and right ankle disability.
- Granted
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- 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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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.