Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance due to her medical conditions, which do not demonstrate a significant level of disability requiring regular aid and attendance.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected conditions are being remanded due to the need for compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis, all cervical and left upper extremity disorders however diagnosed, and an increased rating for a cervical spine disorder characterized as cervical arthralgia with possible C-1-C2 articular surface narrowing.

The Board has remanded the case due to new legal interpretations and incomplete VCAA notification. The veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is on appeal, as well as his tinnitus rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing records and further examination.

The Board denied the veteran's attempt to reopen his claim for service connection due to cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, finding no new and material evidence.

The Board has found that the appellant's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine originated during his active service and granted service connection for this disability. The other issues were not addressed in detail.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for neck and left shoulder disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of chronic disability related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder and clavicle disability, diagnosed as frozen right shoulder, is due to his service-connected anxiety psychoneurosis.

The Board found that the veteran's cardiovascular disability, brain injury residuals, cervical spine disability, lumbosacral spine disability, bilateral shoulder and foot disabilities, chest pains, and hearing loss were not incurred in or related to his military service.

The veteran's right sensory neuropathy of the sciatic nerve with lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent, effective from its effective date of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining information about the appellant's dates of service with the Florida Army National Guard and arranging for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed skin disorder and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed chronic cervical, lumbar, and shoulder disorders are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease leading to current disabilities.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for a VA examination to determine current diagnoses and etiology of cervical spine, back disability, and headaches.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The veteran's claims for a compensable rating for his scar and service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome are pending.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of her service-connected lumbosacral and cervical spine disabilities due to inadequate examination reports, lack of VCAA notice, and other procedural deficiencies.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person was granted effective December 28, 2001. The decision is based on his physical disabilities since at least January 6, 1999.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, concluding that his current condition was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and the increased ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and lumbar spine strain. The veteran was not granted any benefits in these claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability. The claim is now considered reopened.