Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2003

The Board found that the veteran's death was not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and post-traumatic headaches, finding that these conditions are related to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident during service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected neck disability is being remanded due to the need for compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and additional development, including a VA neurology examination.

The veteran's service-connected cervical spine strain, left knee chondromalacia, and coccyx injury are currently rated at the minimum compensable levels. The Board finds that a higher evaluation is warranted for his cervical spine strain.

The Board found that the veteran's headaches are not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee, low back, and cervical spine disabilities. Service connection was denied for sinusitis, skin disability (presumed fungal infection), right knee disability, and left knee disability.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected disabilities of a left knee, degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, and traumatic arthritis of the cervical spine were denied by the RO.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and found that the veteran's current cervical spine condition began during her active duty. The remaining issues of higher ratings for left shoulder, left knee, and left ankle conditions are remanded.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic lumbar spine, cervical spine, and right arm disorders, claimed as residuals of a parachute jump injury. The evidence now submitted is considered significant enough to warrant reconsideration of these claims on their merits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability, including his degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis, is due to or aggravated by his service-connected residuals of a fractured left clavicle.

The Board has determined that the veteran's neck injury and resulting kyphotic deformity are not service-connected as they were acute and transitory in nature, and there is no evidence of a chronic disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cervical and lumbar spine disorders are not related to her service, and thus denied her claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities. The veteran's current complaints of neck and back pain are being considered as secondary to his service-connected right tibial fracture.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected degenerative changes of the cervical spine is being reviewed. The current rating of 40 percent is being considered.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to additional development being required, including obtaining relevant medical records and readjudicating his service connection for a cervical spine disability, increased rating for left clavicle fracture with acromioclavicular joint involvement, and increased rating for gunshot wound with ilium fracture and muscle damage.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine as secondary to a service-connected disability. The appeal is based on the veteran's disagreement with the denial.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic disability related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, and gastroesophageal disability are all related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to a procedural issue, and the case will be returned to the RO for further consideration.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities result in loss of use of one hand and both feet, qualifying him for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.