Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's request for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred from March to May 2001 due to a cervical spine disorder, finding that VA facilities were feasibly available and treatment had been scheduled.

The veteran's claims for secondary service connection for headaches resulting from sinusitis and increased evaluations for her service-connected sinusitis and cervical spine disability prior to October 1, 2001 were denied. The RO confirmed the current evaluation of 30% for sinusitis but did not increase it further. Service connection for degenerative changes to the cervical spine was severed effective October 1, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and left shoulder disability, as well as an increased evaluation for hiatal hernia with epigastritis. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and neck disorder did not begin in service or are related to any incident therein, nor is it proximately due to his service-connected right knee disorder.

The Board found that the veteran's current cervical spine and left shoulder conditions are not related to an injury in service, but rather likely due to aging. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has received notification of the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal, and therefore dismisses the case.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The cervical spine disorder claim is considered 'unknown' as it does not pertain to a specific exposure basis or presumption.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any cervical spine disorders, including whether they are related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for back disorder, anemia, and neck disability. The evidence did not establish a current disability or link to military service.

The veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine was granted, with a current evaluation of 20 percent. The decision is based on moderate limitation of motion and does not involve any service connection theory other than direct service connection.

The veteran is seeking a higher initial rating for his cervical spine disability, currently rated at 20 percent. The RO must obtain additional medical evidence and consider the revised criteria for evaluating intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).

The veteran's request for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred during cervical spine surgery was denied as there was no prior authorization and the treatment did not involve a medical emergency.

The Board has determined that the veteran's osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The decision also notes that a more definitive assessment regarding the shoulder disability is needed.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under either the old or new VA rating criteria for varicose veins. The veteran's bilateral varicose veins are currently rated as noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient data in the service medical records or claims folder to state that the cervical spine condition is secondary to the lumbar spine disability. The veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, claimed as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, will be reconsidered.

The veteran is seeking service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand. The Board has determined that a VA examination and additional development are needed to properly adjudicate this claim.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for headaches and compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 (West 2002) for various disabilities are being remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records, lack of proper notice regarding the VCAA requirements, and need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA orthopedic examination and an opinion on whether the veteran's spine disability was aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cervical spine, lumbosacral spine, and shoulder disabilities are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his active military service.