The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for muscles spasm due to trapezius muscle strain, hearing loss, and cervical spine disability. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not establish a link between the Veteran's current disabilities and his period of honorable service.
- Claimed conditions
- muscles spasm due to trapezius muscle strain, hearing loss (left ear), cervical spine disability, to include degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 7, 2026
- Citation
- A26001420
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 A26001420.
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 Board granted service connection for asthma and hearing loss, both related to in-service exposure to burn pits.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The veteran withdrew their appeal, so the Board dismissed all issues related to increased ratings for dermatitis, PTSD, feeding/eating disorder, and claims for service connection for hearing loss and plantar fasciitis.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about substantial compliance with a previous remand directive and the credibility of the Veteran's statements regarding an in-service injury. The claim will be reconsidered with an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's initial evaluation for obstructive sleep apnea is granted at a 50% rating, effective from the date of service connection. The Veteran's tension headaches are granted an initial 30% rating as of September 25, 2014. No other conditions have been granted or denied.
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