Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a back and neck disability. However, further development is needed before the merits of the case can be considered.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for himself or leave the house without assistance, and he is therefore eligible for special monthly compensation on account of need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current neck disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease at C6-7 and cervical spondylosis at C4-T1, is a result of active service. Therefore, service connection for residuals of a neck injury is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine and arthritis and aching joints, as well as any secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not show current diagnoses or treatment related to these conditions in service or within one year after service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, cervical spine disorder, and left carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a cervical spine fracture at C1 vertebra warrant a 20 percent evaluation, effective as of the date of the decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's currently diagnosed degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine is due to his period of active military service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and therefore, his claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions are denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability and shingles, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board found that the veteran's headaches and chronic cervical strain are related to injuries sustained in a 1958 motor vehicle accident during service, granting his claims for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to determine the cause of any disabilities resulting from treatment at a VA facility in Boston, Massachusetts in July 1992.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a tumor and cyst of the cervical spine, finding that there was no evidence to support his claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, PTSD, and an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The claim for service connection for a right knee disability was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic headache disability, cervical spine disorder, and hearing loss. The veteran's headaches began during his active military duty but were not found to be related to service. His cervical spine disorder was determined to be congenital and not associated with service. His hearing loss was also not found to be related to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of her service-connected disabilities and obtain relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar strain, left shoulder disorder, and chronic headaches are service-connected. The respiratory, sinus, and knee disorders have not been established as service-connected.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for ankylosing spondylitis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that the January 1981 rating decision denying service connection for a cervical compression fracture was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, thus granting the claim based on new evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's conditions, including as due to an undiagnosed illness, are service-connected for wrists, ankles, elbows, hips, and neck disabilities. The right knee disability is also service-connected. However, the veteran does not have chronic fatigue syndrome or asthmatic bronchitis.