Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2003

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a broken nose, bilateral knee disorder (including swollen joints), and hand and elbow disorder (including swollen joints). The cervical spine disorder claim is also denied. New and material evidence was not submitted to reopen any of these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection, an increased rating, and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to lack of evidence showing a direct link between her current conditions and active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical degenerative joint disease and sternocleidoastoid muscle pain are not service-connected, as they are more likely related to his employment as a mail carrier.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disorders due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The veteran's arthritis of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and carpo-metacarpal joint, bilaterally is granted as service-connected due to its being proximately due to his service-connected generalized multiple joint arthritis.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected cervical spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and consideration under new rating criteria. The issue of service connection for headaches, which was deferred, will also be referred back to the RO.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of a back injury with cervical and lumbar myalgias is being remanded to the RO for further development due to the need for a Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) letter.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including lower back disability, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, left foot swelling, PTSD, and irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a cold injury to the hands, finding that it is more likely than not that the veteran's current symptoms are due to his in-service frostbite. The other issues remain pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed low back, cervical spine, hand, Achilles tendon, and knee disorders are not service-connected due to lack of evidence supporting a finding of an underlying disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability is not related to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current neck disability incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for cervical dysplasia, finding that any such condition is not related to military service or a service-connected disability.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, which is secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, has been remanded due to the need for additional development and review by the agency of original jurisdiction.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for residuals of a cervical spine injury and is now considering it on its merits. The veteran's current symptoms, including cervical spinal cord compression from spondylosis, are related to an inservice fall from a helicopter in which he struck his head. The issue of SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate will also be reconsidered.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected chronic cervical syndrome, finding that it causes severe limitation of motion.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being remanded back to the RO for specific actions, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a spine examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are a composite of all injuries experienced over his lifetime, including those sustained during service. Therefore, these conditions were incurred during active service.

The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's service-connected chondromalacia patella of both knees and denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his hearing loss did not warrant a compensable rating. The appeals for service connection of low back disability and sinusitis were dismissed as untimely filed, and the appeal for higher evaluation for neck disability was also dismissed.