Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2000

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not establish a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The veteran's tinea versicolor is rated at 10 percent, hypertension at 10 percent, and cervical disc disease and stenosis with upper extremity myelopathy, postoperative fusion at 60 percent. The RO has applied the appropriate diagnostic codes to reflect these ratings.

The VA has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disorder, currently rated at 30 percent disabling, does not warrant a higher evaluation based on current symptoms and medical evidence.

The veteran's claim for service connection for organic personality disorder claimed as organic brain syndrome was granted. The claim for a cervical spine disability was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The veteran's bilateral optic atrophy with glaucoma secondary to trauma is currently rated at 60 percent.

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is being remanded due to an inextricably intertwined issue regarding service connection for radiculopathy and disc problems. The RO must adjudicate these issues before proceeding further.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability, increased ratings for PTSD and cervical spine degenerative joint disease. The veteran's PTSD was found to be well grounded but not warranting an increase in rating prior to October 30, 1998, while his cervical spine condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating before April 24, 1998.

The Board has granted service connection for the residuals of a gunshot wound to the left knee and a cervical spine disability. The veteran's hemorrhoids are currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a seizure disorder and an increased rating for cervical muscle spasms, finding that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of May 30, 1990 for his award of total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disability. The evidence did not show any factor outside the usual that would support a basis for TDIU.

The veteran's cervical spine disorder did not result from the August 1995 VA surgery, and there was no additional disability beyond what pre-existed the procedure.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for disc disease of the cervical spine as there is no competent medical evidence linking his current condition to his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine degenerative changes had their onset during active service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of shotgun wounds to the left anterior cervical region and the left hand and wrist were denied as a matter of law due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent. The issue regarding service connection for migraine headaches was denied due to a lack of clear and unmistakable error.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and arthritis of multiple joints, to include the back, hips, and legs. The veteran failed to provide sufficient medical evidence linking his current conditions to his period of active service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine and low back disabilities, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current disability levels.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for cervical spine disorder due to his failure to perfect appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right hand disorder, hearing loss, and a cervical spine disorder as they are not well-grounded.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected hip and spine disabilities. The RO will consider all applicable rating criteria during adjudication.