Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2000

The veteran's service-connected ureteral calculus, right and left, with residual tender and painful scar is rated at 10 percent. The RO has granted the increased rating but noted that the pain extends beyond just a tender surgical scar.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for her cervical spine disorder and left shoulder injury were denied as there is no evidence of more than moderate limitation of motion or other symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Board has granted an initial compensable evaluation of 10% for the veteran's service-connected scar, right eyelid. The claim for rhinitis/sinusitis is not supported by evidence meeting the criteria for a compensable evaluation. An initial compensable evaluation of 10% is also granted for degenerative spurring, cervical spine.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions are not well grounded. The RO denied these claims in August 1991, and they remain denied as new evidence did not reopen them.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his lumbar and cervical strains, as well as an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for fibromyalgia. The effective date for a 40 percent evaluation for fibromyalgia was set at April 16, 1989.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for the claimed conditions, as they are not related to the veteran's military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim and determined that new evidence supports a finding of service connection for cervical, dorsal, and lumbar spine disabilities. These conditions are found to be related to his service-connected right and left clavicle fracture residuals.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for a chronic neck disability and a chronic bilateral shoulder disability are not well grounded. The evidence does not establish a link between any current disabilities and active service.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected hypertension, degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine with chronic lumbar strain, duodenal ulcer/gastroduodenitis, and cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are well grounded. The veteran is entitled to a rating of 30 percent for ankylosing spondylitis of the cervical spine with disc narrowing, postoperative cervical osteotomy, and a 20 percent rating for ankylosing spondylitis of the lumbar spine.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no evidence of current vertigo or tinnitus disabilities. The cervical sprain was rated as 10 percent disabling.

The veteran seeks service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders. The case is being remanded to obtain additional records, including SSA disability determination records, and to schedule the veteran for a VA orthopedic examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than April 4, 1995 for service connection of his cervical strain and right shoulder tendinitis have not been met. The RO is directed to obtain additional medical records from various facilities and schedule the veteran for a VA orthopedic examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not meritorious on their own or capable of substantiation.

The veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, manifested by numbness in the last two fingers of his left hand, is denied as there is no evidence connecting these conditions to service.

The appellant has withdrawn all issues on appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine the percentage of impairment caused by each specific disability shown in the evidence, including recent medical records and updated financial information.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar spine disorder warrants a 20% rating and her cervical spine disorder also warrants a 20% rating.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection for various conditions, including ulcers, tinea of the hands and feet, anxiety disorder, hypertension, cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and hearing loss, are well-grounded. The right ear hearing impairment was incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's preexisting cervical spine disorder did not increase in severity during his active service. The claim of entitlement to service connection for a neck disorder is well grounded.