Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2008

The Board denied service connection for a prostate disorder as it was less likely than not related to the acute and transitory prostatitis treated in service.

The veteran does not have an employment handicap, and therefore is not entitled to vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of new evidence.

The veteran's service-connected cervical strain with cervicobrachial pain is rated at 20 percent, as the disability picture more nearly approximates that of restriction of forward flexion to less than 30 degrees with pain and repetitive movement and demonstrated muscle spasm with guarding likely during flareups.

The appeal was remanded to ensure proper VCAA notice for the issues of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the shoulders and cervical spine, as well as dyshidrosis of the hands and feet.

The appeal is remanded to the Appeals Management Center for additional development, as the June 2006 Board decision has been vacated and new evidence must be considered.

The Board granted service connection for postoperative residuals of a neck tumor/lesion excision and eczematous dermatitis of the hands, both determined to be of service origin.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and lumbosacral spine.

The veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation solely as a result of his service-connected disabilities, and the combined disability rating meets the criteria for TDIU effective August 11, 2003.

The Board granted a 30 percent evaluation for right knee chondromalacia and a 10 percent evaluation for residuals of chip fracture, left medial malleolus with post-traumatic arthritis from August 5, 2003. The claims for increased ratings for the veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease and cervical spine condition were denied.

The appeal for an earlier effective date prior to September 3, 2004 for the grant of service connection for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood was denied as a matter of law.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, but denied an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic synovitis of the right knee and residuals of cervical disc disease are being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine current severity.

The Board granted service connection for cervical spine and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, but denied service connection for a right shoulder disability. The veteran was also granted service connection for anal fissures and hemorrhoids.

The Board denied service connection for spondylosis and other residuals of the veteran's decompression and fusion surgery of the cervical spine, finding no evidence that this disability manifested during service or was related to active duty.

The Board granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, to include osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran.

The veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 30 percent effective January 23, 2006, and TDIU was granted from that date forward.

The Board remanded the veteran's appeals for service connection of a cervical spine disability and for an increased rating above 40 percent for his service-connected low back condition. On remand, VA must obtain additional medical records, provide proper notice to the veteran, and schedule examinations to determine the etiology of the cervical spine condition and reassess the current level of the low back disability.

The appeal is remanded for additional development and consideration of the evidence.

The appeal is REMANDED to the RO via the AMC for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling an examination.