Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2009

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80%, but his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with multilevel disc herniation, finding no direct relationship to service or secondary to his service-connected thoracic spine strain.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination to assess the cumulative impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not related to his active service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine and low back disabilities, finding that while his current cervical spine disability is related to military service, his low back disability was not. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his right temporal shrapnel injury was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA outpatient treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including degenerative changes of the cervical spine and status post surgical repair of the thumbs, bilaterally, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has ordered a remand for additional development due to the need for new examinations and consideration of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board granted an increased rating of 20 percent for cervical arthralgia, effective February 7, 2005.

The Board has remanded the case due to newly submitted evidence that may relate the Veteran's cervical spine disability to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The RO will consider this new information and provide a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine and bilateral shoulder disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by active service, and therefore denied these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the appellant's cervical spine disability and his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision is based on the evidence of record without specific mention of any new or material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar and cervical spine disorders are at least as likely as not related to his service-connected left ankle disability, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the appellant's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU based on current disability ratings. A new examination is needed to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on his employability.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder and increased ratings for cervical radiculopathy of the upper extremities. The Veteran's back disorder is found to be related to his fall in service, while the cervical radiculopathy issues are addressed based on their current manifestations.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic cervical spine disability present in service or within one year after discharge, and concluded that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is not related to his active duty.