Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2005

The veteran's claims for service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine have been denied. The right knee disability has resulted in multiple rating changes over time.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities are related to her service, specifically her Gulf War service.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as there was no evidence of significant limitation of motion or intervertebral disc syndrome.

The veteran's cervical spine disorder was granted a 40 percent evaluation effective December 11, 2001. The lumbar spine disorder continued to be rated at 20 percent prior to that date and is now rated at 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's depression and cervical spine disability are not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for myofascial syndrome of the cervical spine and residuals of a low back injury were denied as there was no evidence to support higher disability ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board denied all issues related to service connection and increased evaluation for tendonitis of the right elbow, finding no evidence of a link between any claimed conditions and service.

The veteran's combined disability rating of 40 percent has never been greater than the minimum schedular criteria for TDIU, as he does not meet the required percentage standards set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

The Board has determined that the veteran's neck, cervical spine, and low back disability including arthritis, as well as his right hand and wrist injury residuals, and arm and leg weakness, are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed neck, cervical spine, and low back disability including arthritis, as well as his right hand and wrist injury residuals, and arm and leg weakness, are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a seizure disorder, tardive dyskinesia, or cervical spine disability that is service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that it began as a consequence of active service.

The VA has granted a 40 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability, effective January 24, 2001. The condition is characterized by very significant muscle spasm productive of severe intervertebral disc syndrome.

The veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the increased evaluation for cervical disc degenerative disease, and as a result, the Board dismissed the appeal.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a cervical spine disorder or bilateral hearing loss that is related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and an initial compensable disability rating for a scar from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome was not seen in service or post-service, and there is no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his period of service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left wrist sprain and carpal tunnel syndrome, and finds no evidence to support service connection for these conditions. The veteran's ring finger disorder is currently rated as noncompensably disabling.

The veteran's increased evaluation claims for cervical spine strain with arthritis and myositis of the left foot are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The claims will be reconsidered based on all available evidence.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine injury residuals and headaches, finding that the medical evidence did not support a link between these conditions and the veteran's military service.