Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension on account of being housebound or in need of aid and attendance of another person is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either status based on his multiple disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for cervical and lumbosacral spine disorders, but granted secondary service connection for a left great toe disorder. The effective date remains July 31, 2000.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The veteran's claims for service connection, increased rating, and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examinations.

The Board found that the veteran's current cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The veteran's cervical and lumbar spine conditions were not incurred in service, nor are they related to any service-connected disabilities.,VA has determined that the veteran is not disabled to a degree that would qualify him for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and review of new evidence, including SSA records. The veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder, back disorder, and cervical disc disease are also being reviewed.

The veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including a low back disorder, asthma, cervical spine disability, and PTSD. The claims are being remanded to allow for further evaluation of the evidence.

The veteran's cervical spine disorder and hearing loss were not shown to be related to service. The residuals of a head injury claim was also denied.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical spine disorder and folliculitis due to outstanding medical records and the need for further development, including VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease with herniation at C5-6 and C6-7 warrants an initial rating of 20 percent, based on moderate limitation of motion.

The veteran's hepatitis C was rated at 10 percent since January 2005. The cervical spine disorder is rated as 10 percent disabling, and the right ankle fracture is rated as 20 percent disabling on and after June 1, 2005. The PTSD is rated as 50 percent disabling prior to May 24, 2005, and 70 percent disabling thereafter.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for cervical stenosis, spondylitic disease C6-7, left arm and hand numbness as secondary to the claimed cervical stenosis, and a right knee bone spur. The evidence does not support these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back and cervical spine disorders due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations without providing good cause.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine condition is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The claim for secondary service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the need to obtain medical records from a private physician, Dr. Thacker.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a cervical spine injury, left shoulder disability, and chest pain. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board found that the veteran's left shoulder disorder and cervical osteoarthritis are not related to his service, and denied his claims for increased rating of residuals of a left hand ring and little finger injury. The RO had previously granted a 20% rating for the disability under Diagnostic Code 5219.