Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2003

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral hip disorder, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, arthritis of the feet and ankles, neuropathy of the upper extremities, tension headaches, cervical DJD, PTSD, and claudication. The reasons are not provided in this decision.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case will be returned to the RO for the requested development, including a VA medical examination and consideration of the veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service. The veteran's whereabouts are unknown, making it impossible to locate any relevant medical records or witnesses.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current cervical spine disorder that is due to any incident or event of active military service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues. The appeal is currently remanded for additional evidence collection and a VA examination.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal of all issues related to service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection as there was no evidence of an injury during INACDUTRA that resulted in disabling residuals of a cervical fracture.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of surgical fusion of fractured cervical vertebrae, including headaches. The RO had previously granted a 20% disability rating and later increased it to 30%. However, the new regulatory criteria applicable to spine disabilities have not yet been provided.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claims for residuals of abnormal pap smear and prolapsed uterus are granted, as her conditions were incurred during active duty.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and severity of his heart disorder and cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is needed for the claims on appeal, including a VA examination of the knee and clarification regarding the veteran's hearing loss claim. The veteran will be provided with VCAA notice and given an opportunity to respond.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for ear and neck disabilities, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disorder due to inadequate development and failure to comply with VCAA requirements.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for the issue of nicotine dependence with emphysema and asthma due to cigarette smoking in service. The case is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal due to his withdrawal of all issues except for the denial of an annual clothing allowance.

The veteran's appeals of issues 1, 2, and 3 have been dismissed due to his withdrawal. The appeal for issue 6 remains pending.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, right knee disability, and a higher evaluation for his psychiatric disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, including cervical and dorsal spine degenerative changes, bilateral hip and shoulder disabilities, pes planus, TMJ syndrome, and hemorrhoids.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical degenerative disc disease compounded by bilateral shoulder impingement was not incurred or aggravated by active military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.