Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent effective June 26, 2000. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disability remains pending and the Veteran's increased rating claim for his right shoulder disability is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine degenerative changes are currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence shows that his symptoms have worsened and he now has a more severe disability. The Board finds an increased rating of 20 percent is warranted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to service, and grants service connection for residuals of a cervical spine injury.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for cervical strain with degenerative disc disease at C4-5 and C5-6 was denied. The claim for an initial compensable evaluation for migraine headaches was also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further adjudication due to incomplete records and need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but no higher. The cervical spine disability was increased to 20 percent effective October 31, 2008.,Service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities has not been established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not related to her military service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed disabilities, finding that they are not related to his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's DJD and DDD of the cervical spine, including associated radiculopathy (claimed as condition of the feet and hands and shoulder pain), is not related to service.,Service connection for headaches with loss of vision is granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations of her service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded. Her claim for service connection for fibrocystic condition and fibroid tumors is also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if he has a spine disability and whether it is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting any of the requested benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck condition is not service-connected, as it is more likely due to natural progression of age-related degenerative changes rather than an in-service injury or exposure. The claim for secondary service connection was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on a need for regular aid and attendance of another person or on account of being housebound.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence linking the Veteran's gynecological, cervical spine, or thoracolumbar spine disabilities to her service. Therefore, the claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and cervical spine disabilities are service-connected due to in-service injuries sustained during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and disc herniation of the lumbar spine (L4-5) with radiating pain to the lower extremities, both found to be related to a period of active duty for training in May 1989. Service connection was denied for degenerative joint disease of bilateral shoulders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA decision and medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, her claim for a temporary total rating based on hospitalization is denied as she does not have basic eligibility for that benefit.

The Veteran's claims for neck disability, stomach condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and additional medical examinations.