Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2000

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the old fracture of the left clavicle with firm union, effective from September 21, 1998. The claim for increased rating is also granted.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current degenerative arthritis of the cervical and lumbar spine, as well as his psoriasis, to his period of active service. Therefore, the claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board found that the veteran had not submitted new and material evidence to reopen his claim of service connection for a back disorder, including degenerative arthritis of the cervical and lumbar spine with degenerative disc disease at L5-S1.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for secondary service connection for a cervical spine disorder and bilateral leg disorder are not well grounded, as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his service-connected lumbosacral strain or other in-service injury.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing chronic neck strain was presumed to have been aggravated by service, and granted her claim of service connection for a neck disability.

The Board finds that the veteran's claims for service connection are well grounded, and he has presented credible evidence of current disabilities and a link to his period of active service.

The veteran's disabilities, when considered in combination, result in his inability to care for some of his daily personal needs without regular personal assistance from his spouse. The veteran is not shown to be substantial confined to his dwelling or immediate premises as a result of disabilities.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current left knee disorder, right knee disorder, lumbar spine disorder, or cervical spine disorder to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a cervical strain with right upper extremity weakness and headaches are not causally related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The VA denied an increased rating for the appellant's service-connected residuals of a fracture of the second cervical vertebra, currently rated at 10 percent. The primary manifestations are degenerative changes and arthritis in the cervical spine.

The Board found that the appellant's lumbar disc disease did not warrant a higher rating, and denied service connection for a cervical spine disability due to lack of evidence showing its onset during service or being related to his service-connected lumbar disc disease.

The VA denied service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine as there is no medical evidence linking current cervical spine condition to service.

The VA determined that the appellant's thoracic spine disability, which includes a compression fracture at T8 and multiple diagnoses of cervical and lumbar spines, warrants only a 20 percent evaluation. The Board denied an increased rating above this level.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple disabilities of the spine, including degenerative disc disease, and an increased evaluation for his service-connected low back disability. The Board found no causal relationship between the veteran's current spinal conditions and his service-connected fracture residuals.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for direct service connection and secondary service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, hips, and shoulders are not well grounded. The claim for increased rating on an extraschedular basis for residuals of a gunshot wound to Muscle Group VII of the left forearm is denied as it does not meet the criteria for such a rating. The veteran's claim for separate compensable rating for scars from his gunshot wound to the left forearm is granted.

The VA determined that there is no evidence linking the veteran's current cervical spine disorder to his military service, including a 1960 injury. The claim was denied.