Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cervical spine, right shoulder, and low back disabilities did not begin during or as a result of his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute substantially to his death due to an acute cervical fracture, which occurred as a result of falling out of bed.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for chronic cervical strain.

The Board has granted the claim of service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that it began during active duty for training and is therefore incurred in service. The right shoulder disability claim was denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied in June 1984, but new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claims. The claim for a left wrist chip fracture is granted with a 10% rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a cesarean section scar, finding that the condition existed prior to service and did not undergo any increase in severity during active duty.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a right knee, neck, or heart disorder that was incurred in service. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board granted an increased rating of 30 percent for the veteran's cervical spine disorder and a separate 20 percent rating for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity effective September 23, 2002.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of multiple joints, including the cervical spine, lumbar spine, shoulders, wrists, hands, and knees. The decision is based on a finding that these conditions are likely related to injuries sustained during military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disorder is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant due to lack of statutory eligibility, as he is not statutorily eligible for these benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's migraine headaches, seizure disorder, and first cervical nerve disorder are proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left knee disability.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, effective prior to June 6, 1996.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for the veteran's claimed jaw, neck, left arm, or low back disabilities. The claims were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence to support a finding that these conditions were incurred in service.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for chronic cervical strain from April 4, 1995 to July 23, 2000 and a 30 percent evaluation for chronic right trapezius and pectoralis muscle strain and right shoulder tendonitis since July 24, 2000.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for arthritis of the cervical spine and postoperative left hernia repair were denied. The VA determined that a rating in excess of 20 percent for the cervical spine condition was not warranted, while the postoperative left hernia repair did not necessitate a compensable evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine disorder and lumbosacral strain are not related to service, and denied both claims for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his service-connected left ankle disability or any other condition in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's neck and low back disabilities are not service-connected, but have been caused by his service-connected right hip disability.