Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's appeals for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic cervical spine disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board found that spondylosis of the cervical spine was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been incurred or aggravated therein.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left elbow fracture was denied, and his claim for an increased rating for degenerative spondylosis of the cervical spine with disc protrusion at C5-6 was granted. The disability rating is set at 10 percent effective from April 2004.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to assess the veteran's ability to obtain and maintain gainful employment due to his multiple disabilities, excluding those related to substance abuse or willful misconduct.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA and private treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, but did not address the claims for cervical and thoracic spine disorders.,Service connection was granted for GERD and asthma. The veteran's claims for cervical and thoracic spine disorders are referred to the RO for further action.,No rating assigned as no disability rating is being granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and evidence related to the veteran's cervical spine disorder and periodontal disease.

The Board has granted service connection for DDD C4-C5 and cervical myositis as secondary to the veteran's service-connected residuals of left knee meniscus tear, but denied service connection for lumbar myositis. The claim for a higher rating for the left knee disabilities remains pending.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a current lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, broken nose/deviated septum, fractured jaw and broken teeth, or sinusitis. Therefore, service connection is denied for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine disease and associated neuropathy of the upper extremities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities related to service.

The Board found that the veteran's hypothyroidism and cervical stenosis were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor are they proximately due to a service-connected disability. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred or aggravated in active military service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right hip and neck disabilities are not related to his service-connected conditions, and thus denied both claims for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disorders did not manifest during service or are otherwise related to her military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a lumbar or cervical spine disability related to his military service and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical disability, finding that it is not related to service or secondary to his service-connected right shoulder tendonitis. The claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain was granted as it is considered a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his cervical spine disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current criteria.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right hip fracture. However, further development is needed to address the etiology of his cervical spine disorder and to obtain STRs regarding potential additional fractures.