Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2006

The veteran's initial claim for service connection was granted, and she received a noncompensable rating. The RO later increased her disability rating to 10 percent from the date of service connection until July 9, 2004. After that date, she received separate ratings of 20 percent each for chronic cervical and thoracic strain effective February 2, 2006.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for higher initial ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome of both wrists and service connection for bilateral heel pain, degenerative joint disease of the left index finger, and bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left wrist interosseous cyst, and right heel calcaneal spur were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA regulations.

The veteran's lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and HPV were all found to have begun during her period of active service.

The Board found that the veteran's injuries were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and a VA medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death.

The veteran's headaches are found to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected cervical spine disability. The veteran is granted a higher initial rating for his degenerative joint and disc disease of the cervical spine, with a compensatory evaluation assigned for sensory change in the left upper extremity.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical spine disorder, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease, and ocular hypertensive disorder. The veteran's cervical spine condition is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, while his hiatal hernia and ocular hypertensive disorder are each rated at the minimum compensable rating of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for cervical dysplasia, finding no current disability and insufficient evidence of chronic residuals related to a diagnosis in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and headaches. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to her military service.

The Board found that the veteran's neck and back disorders are not related to his service-connected right tibia fracture, and thus denied both claims for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD and residuals of fractures of the right clavicle and C7, with post-operative laminectomy and fusion do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a herniated disc of the cervical spine incurred during vocational rehabilitation in July 1997. The case has been remanded due to incomplete records and will be reconsidered after obtaining any relevant medical evidence.

The veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 60 percent, and his cervical spine disability remains at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of chronic sinusitis, bronchitis, or any other claimed disabilities. Service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a cervical spine or left shoulder disability that is related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board found no evidence of current right foot disability and denied service connection for a right foot disorder. For the cervical spine, the Board concluded that the veteran's degenerative joint disease did not warrant an initial rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic headaches, ulcer/stomach condition (presumably peptic ulcer disease), and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine are not related to service. Therefore, these claims for service connection have been denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim for TDIU is held in abeyance.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine, bilateral knee, and right thumb disabilities. The case is being remanded to issue a Statement of the Case regarding the right thumb disorder.