Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2008

The veteran's initial ratings for diabetes mellitus, PTSD, cervical spine DJD, right shoulder DJD, and left shoulder DJD were denied.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder, gynecological disorder, and an acquired mental disorder (anxiety disorder). The appellant's current diagnoses are not related to her military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, finding that the June 1974 rating decision was final and that new and material evidence had not been submitted since then.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further examination regarding service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including COPD and bilateral knee problems, result in the loss of use of both lower extremities. He qualifies for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing but not for special home adaptations.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine disorder, excessive weight gain, hemorrhoids, COPD/bronchitis, sinus disorder, leg rash, heat intolerance/sensitivity, and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service due to undiagnosed illnesses. The only condition for which service connection was granted is a cervical strain that the Board determined was unrelated to his military service.

The veteran's degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine is not attributable to his period of military service, and it was not manifested within one year of his separation from service. The VA examiner found no link between the veteran's headaches and dizziness and his period of service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and DJD of the cervical spine, finding no evidence of a stressor or injury during service that could lead to these conditions. The veteran's current diagnoses are not linked to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current low back disability, bilateral hip disability, or sinusitis. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's neck disorder, including status post cervical fusion, was not causally or etiologically related to active military service.

The Board denied service connection for insomnia and right carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active duty for training. The cervical spine strain was granted as service-connected.,For the initial rating claim, the Board found no evidence of incapacitating episodes or neurological abnormalities to warrant a higher than 10 percent rating.

The Board found no evidence of in-service injury or disease that could be linked to the veteran's current left shoulder, neck, and bilateral wrist disabilities. As such, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The VA examiner found no clinical evidence of a current cervical or thoracolumbar spine disorder, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability and lumbar spine disability, as well as his claim for an increased evaluation for right ilioinguinal neuritis. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, cervical spine disorder, and left shoulder disorder. The veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his active duty service.,There is no credible evidence linking the veteran's current psychiatric condition or cervical spine disorder to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cervical spine disorder, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, was caused by an injury in service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than August 22, 1995 for the TDIU is not warranted as it was not factually ascertainable prior to this date that the veteran's service-connected disabilities made her unemployable.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient medical evidence to decide the veteran's claim of service connection for cervical myelopathy, and remands the case for further development.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a head injury and cervical spine disability, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to grant service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for acquired scoliosis and thoracolumbar spine arthritis as secondary to the veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability.