Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2000

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is well grounded. The VA examiner indicated it is at least as likely as not that the veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to an in-service injury, but further examination and opinion are needed.

The Board found that the appellant's current cervical spine disorder did not begin in or is due to service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cervical spine injury, finding no evidence of an in-service injury and no current disability.

The Board found no evidence of a current cervical spine or low back disability and concluded that the veteran's service connection claims for these conditions were not well-grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the right knee, cervical and dorsal/thoracic spine as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, and an increased evaluation for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability was not addressed in this decision.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for hearing loss, loss of visual acuity, and hypothyroidism (to include as due to an undiagnosed illness) are not well grounded. The other conditions were also not well grounded.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total rating for nonservice-connected disability pension purposes, including consideration on an extra-schedular basis, was denied. The RO also considered service connection for right knee disorder but did not grant it.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased disability evaluations for residuals of a lumbar spine injury, right shoulder injury, and cervical spine injury due to her failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The current level of severity of these disabilities could not be determined without updated examination.

The Board found that the November 1946 rating decision denying service connection for a cervical spine disorder and hammertoes was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous, as new evidence submitted did not establish a direct link to service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the appellant's cervical spine disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine disorder and lumbar spine disorder did not manifest during service or are otherwise related to service, thus denying service connection for both conditions.

The VA determined that the veteran's cervical spine arthritis did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability and an increased rating for his cervical spine disability. The claim for service connection is not well-grounded, while the claim for an increased rating is well-grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability is well grounded and remanded for further development. The claim of service connection for sick sinus syndrome with atrial fibrillation and flutter with permanent pacemaker remains not well grounded.

The veteran meets the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his nonservice-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claim for compensation benefits for cervical disc disease is denied as VA did not contract for or authorize the treatment at Humana Hospital from January 31, 1991 to February 5, 1991.

The Board's decision denying service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine is dismissed because a final decision has not been reached.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for myofascial strain of the cervical spine, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection is well grounded and must be considered on a de novo basis. The evidence supports the veteran's contention that his current cervical spine degenerative disc disease is related to an injury sustained during active service.