Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a neck or cervical spine disorder, which was previously denied in May 2003. The current evidence does not relate specifically to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine condition and bilateral shoulder condition, finding that there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that further evaluation is needed for the veteran's service-connected headaches and cervical spine disability due to a lack of recent medical findings and opinions. The claims are being remanded to obtain these evaluations.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for lumbar muscle strain, right ankle disability, and an increased rating for residuals of a cervical spine fracture were denied. The veteran was granted service connection for these conditions but with initial ratings that did not meet his expectations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and examination.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected cervical strain, scar, residual left ankle surgery, lumbar strain with degenerative changes at T12-L1, right ilio-tibial band syndrome, retropatellar pain syndromes of the knees, postoperative residuals of a malleolus fracture, allergic rhinitis, tinea corporis and tinea cruris, left wrist strain, left epididymitis, and scar from a thumb laceration have all been denied.,The veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet or approximate the criteria for higher evaluations under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine and cervical spine disability, as well as his claim for service connection for lower extremity paresthesias. The RO had previously granted service connection for these conditions but did not assign any initial evaluations.

The veteran's claim for service connection for his claimed lumbar and cervical spine disorders is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records from Social Security Administration.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability and dismissed his appeal for an increased rating for residuals of left varicocele surgery.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, but has denied both on the merits. The evidence does not support a finding of a nexus between any current spinal conditions and active duty service.

The Board finds that service connection for bilateral hearing loss is warranted. Service connection for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine is denied as there is no evidence showing a current disability or association with service.

From April 8, 2003 to May 22, 2007, the veteran's PTSD with panic disorder and major depression was rated at 70 percent.,Effective from May 23, 2007, the veteran is entitled to a 100 percent rating for his PTSD with panic disorder and major depression.

Your appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after further action.

The veteran seeks service connection for a back injury with claimed residual arthritis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. The Board has determined that an additional examination is needed to determine if his current spinal condition is related to his in-service automobile accidents.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for spinal meningitis, cervical disc disease, and circulatory disorder of the lower extremities as they are not shown to be related to active service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing at the RO in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Board has determined that the claimant's service connection claims for ulnar neuropathy with residual nerve deficit and pain, left elbow; left wrist and hand disability; carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist; and right elbow tendonitis are all denied as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The veteran's cervical spine disability is being remanded for further evaluation and determination of its relationship to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability and TDIU. The decision is based on the lack of new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for his claimed bilateral knee, left hip, and cervical spine disabilities. The hypertension claim was denied as there were no diastolic pressures predominantly 110 or higher.