Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2004

The Board found that the veteran's current neck disability is related to his in-service injuries and granted service connection for residuals of a neck injury.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to a fall in service. The veteran's other claims are addressed in the remand portion.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of the evidence, including verification of service dates and VA examinations. The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are pending.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for cervical and thoracic spine disorders as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disorder.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder bursitis, ear disability, sinus disability, low back disability (to include arthritis), and neck disability. Service connection was granted for bursitis of the right shoulder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical records and opinions regarding the veteran's service connection claims.

The Board found no probative medical evidence linking the veteran's current cervical spine disorder to his period of active duty service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's neck, right leg, and headaches disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his cervical spine disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, right knee disability, migraine headaches, and major depression.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral leg disorder, coccygeal strain, and headaches. The case is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and provide further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and further development is needed before a decision can be made on the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination. The claims will be adjudicated based on the new criteria effective September 26, 2003.

The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical spine dysfunction with degenerative changes, finding that the veteran's range of motion did not meet criteria warranting a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current low back or cervical spine disorder, and therefore cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's cervical spine disorder is currently rated at 40 percent, effective from December 1994. His lumbar spine disorder has been increased to a 20 percent rating since the same date.

The veteran's service connection claim for a cervical spine disorder, including degenerative joint disease and herniated discs, is granted as his conditions are presumed to have been incurred during his active duty in the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and service connection due to incomplete information, need for further examination, and potential changes in rating criteria.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The dental disability was granted based on its service-connected status.