The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection for a thoracic strain and cervical strain, as the evidence did not support an earlier date than those assigned by the AOJ.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were not filed within one year of his separation from active duty, and there was no new and material evidence to reopen the claim prior to the dates assigned by the AOJ.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracic strain, cervical strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 23, 2025
- Citation
- A25053865
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted higher ratings for the Veteran's service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities, but remanded claims for service connection for sinusitis, calcified lymph nodes on the lungs, and cervical strain.
- Dismissed
The appeals for restoration of ratings and for a higher disability rating were dismissed as the April 2025 rating decision did not make final decisions on these issues.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection for cervical strain, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The claim for an earlier effective date for a left shoulder disability was dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a left hip condition, right hip condition, cervical strain, and back condition due to an incomplete duty to assist error in failing to afford the Veteran VA examinations.
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