Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for COPD with a history of TB, inactive, due to his failure to report for a VA examination without good cause shown. The issue regarding service connection for cervical and dorsal spine disorders as secondary to service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease is remanded.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling an orthopedic examination to determine if his neck disability is secondary to his service-connected back disability. The issue of entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability will also be remanded.

The Board has granted the veteran's request to reopen his claim for a cervical spine disability. The secondary service connection issue remains unresolved as no disposition was made.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claim for bilateral pes planus is remanded.

The Board has granted the appellant's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee, right knee, and cervical spine with neck spasms as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to procedural and evidentiary development needs.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was granted, and he is now rated at 50 percent. The claims for increased ratings for the gunshot wounds to the left chest and shoulder were denied. Service connection for a stomach disability other than abdominal cramping due to volvulus of the colon was granted.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for the regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound is remanded due to unclear wishes, possible additional development needed, and consideration of new evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical and lumbosacral spondylosis can be linked to an injury sustained in service, resulting in a full grant of the benefit sought on appeal.

The Board denied the appeals for service connection for an eye disorder and a right shoulder disorder, and remanded other issues to the RO for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and paravertebral muscle spasm, cervical spine. The RO had previously denied these claims in December 1994.

The Board found that no new and material evidence had been received to reopen the veteran's previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder. The Board also determined that there was insufficient evidence to establish service connection for degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the cervical spine.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's cervical spine disability, including whether it is related to his active service. The case will be remanded for further action.

The veteran's combined nonservice-connected disability rating is 80%, and he does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his ability to dress, undress, feed himself, attend to the wants of nature, and protect himself from daily hazards without assistance.

The veteran's meralgia paresthetica affecting the right hip and thigh regions was found to have originated during service, resulting in a grant of service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has granted service connection for the residuals of partial removal of the right first rib and cervical spine disability, but the status of these determinations is marked as 'unknown' due to insufficient information in the provided text.

The veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder and cervical disc disease are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has restored service connection for L5-S1 radiculopathy secondary to cervical and lumbar myositis. It also granted increased ratings for cervical and lumbar myositis, with the highest rating of 40% effective from March 17, 2003.