Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's spine disabilities were 10 percent disabling more than a year prior to July 27, 1994. Therefore, effective dates of July 27, 1994 are granted for the initial evaluations.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding service connection for low back, cervical spine, and eczema disabilities. The case is now remanded for additional evidence collection and examination.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred or aggravated by service and denied both his claim for service connection and his claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine and right shoulder degenerative joint disease, finding that these conditions are linked to in-service injuries. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disorder and a cervical spine disorder, finding that these conditions did not begin during or as a result of her military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a chronic cervical spine disorder, finding that his appeal was based on direct evidence and not involving any presumption or secondary service connection.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct link between the veteran's current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's need for aid and attendance of another person is no longer shown, effective October 1, 2002.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records. The veteran is seeking service connection for a neck disability and increased evaluations for bilateral shin splints.

The Board found that the appellant's left knee disorder, back injury, cervical myositis, bilateral varicose veins, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss are not service-connected. The assigned disability ratings for his left knee disorder were upheld at 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) as his only service-connected condition, cervical degenerative joint disease rated at 40 percent disabling, does not alone render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disorder and right arm/hand numbness, but granted increased ratings for left hip total replacement and left ulnar neuropathy.

The veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of his facial scar are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain and a back condition, and has awarded a 10 percent rating for headaches. The veteran's claims are based on direct evidence of his conditions rather than any presumption or secondary relationship to service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection of arthritis of the cervical spine, but denied the claim on the merits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for basic eligibility for educational assistance benefits under Chapter 30 and an extension of the delimiting date for educational assistance benefits under Chapter 1606, finding that she did not meet the criteria for these benefits.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to incomplete service medical records and other evidence. The veteran is seeking service connection for low back strain and cervical degenerative joint disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his TDIU, finding that no evidence supported a prior effective date due to lack of timely submission of claims and unemployability during the year before November 28, 1997.

The VA did not cause additional disability to the veteran's cervical spine or nasal condition due to their medical treatment in October 1996. The Board found no evidence of additional disability resulting from the VA treatment.