Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2006

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a right ankle injury, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine. The preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and proper VCAA notification.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine disorder pre-existed service and was not aggravated by his active duty training. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran seeks service connection for tinnitus and various disabilities including a low back disability, neck disability, left knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The RO is directed to obtain relevant medical records and arrange for the veteran to undergo examination by an orthopedic specialist.,The veteran seeks service connection for his low back disability, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The RO is directed to obtain relevant medical records and arrange for the veteran to undergo examination by an orthopedic specialist.,The veteran seeks service connection for his neck disability, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The RO is directed to obtain relevant medical records and arrange for the veteran to undergo examination by an orthopedic specialist.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for service-connected cervical strain from March 14, 2003 through October 15, 2004. The veteran's bilateral pes planus continues to be rated at 10 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, tinea pedis, and testicular disorder. The claims for skin disorder, low back disability, right shoulder disability, and ear wax build-up have been reopened but not granted.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine disability, now rated at 20 percent, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on moderate limitation of motion. The current 20 percent rating is considered appropriate.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for her CTS disabilities were granted. Service connection was established for a thyroid disorder, cervical spine disorder, and RSD of the left upper extremity (secondary to CTS).

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

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Lakeland Regional Medical Center on March 3, 2000 were denied as he did not meet the criteria for payment under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are a result of numerous parachute jumps during his period of active service, which resulted in multiple traumatic injuries to the spine. As such, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for hypertension and service connection for a neck disability, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that resulted in these conditions.

The veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to multiple nonservice-connected disabilities, including depression, peptic ulcer disease with gastritis, Osgood-Schlatter's disease of the knees, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, a low back disorder, dermatitis, seizure disorder, and hypertension. The veteran is entitled to special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for her cervical/trapezius strain, thoracic strain, and lumbosacral strain with disc disease are being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back and neck disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation and employment services was denied because he does not meet the criteria for an employment handicap due to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's tension headaches and chronic strain of the cervical spine were both denied service connection, but he was granted a noncompensable disability rating for his cervical spine condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not related to service and have denied his claims for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's current head and neck disability is not related to his service in 1984, as there were no chronic residuals from the injury. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that any current disabilities are linked to the ship-hatch accident.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical strain and lumbar strain, as well as his claim for nonservice-connected pension. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.