Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2006

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his cervical strain and right shoulder disorders were granted, with a 20 percent rating assigned for the right shoulder disorder from November 26, 2002 to January 12, 2005. The cervical strain was rated at 10 percent throughout the appeal period.

The veteran is seeking increased disability ratings for his service-connected cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities. The appeal has been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records from the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cervical arthritis/disc disease is not related to his service, including any falls in service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has reviewed the veteran's claims for service connection and found that new evidence does not establish a direct relationship between his current conditions and military service. The claims are denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing and issuance of a Statement of the Case on his claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected low back disorder.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a cervical and lumbar spine disability, to include arthritis and disc disease, etiologically related to active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed left wrist, left elbow, left shoulder, left hip, right hip, and cervical spine disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claims are denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination to determine if any current cervical spine disability is related to service or service-connected back disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates for his service-connected lumbosacral strain, cervical strain, right knee strain with patella bursitis, left knee strain with patella bursitis, and pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine disability, including incomplete quadriplegia, is not causally or etiologically related to his service-connected bilateral knee tendonitis and thus denied the claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a neck injury, right shoulder disorder, and left shoulder disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his active military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection and higher initial disability ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current liver disease or other claimed conditions, and the veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to establish service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for myositis of the lumbar spine and service connection for bilateral shoulder and cervical spine disorders, finding that his disability did not warrant an increased rating or service connection based on the evidence provided.

The Board found that the veteran's preexisting pes planus did not worsen during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection. The Board also determined that he did not have any current disabilities involving the lumbosacral spine, cervical spine, hips, knees or ankles due to disease or injury incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical strain does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating, as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or severe intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's DDD of the cervical and thoraco-lumbar spine to service, denied service connection for a right eye disorder, and denied service connection for athlete's feet with callus formation.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine, diabetes mellitus, lumbar spine, stomach, hemorrhoids, and hypertension conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service. The presumption of soundness does not apply as a pre-existing condition was noted at entry into service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability is not related to service or a service-connected condition, and thus denied his claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the veteran did not have current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss, bilateral axillary abscesses, or degenerative arthritis in either knee. The veteran also did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his cervical spine or lumbar spine conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disorder is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.