Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and right-sided numbness are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's pes planus, cervical spine disability and hypoglycemia (claimed as syncope) are service-connected. The other conditions have not been established as service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and exposures, but the specific service connection decisions are pending as the case is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities may be attributable to in-service injuries, but a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to service or his service-connected left shoulder disability. The secondary service connection issue will also be adjudicated.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his cervical spine disorder was granted, effective from August 10, 1999. He is currently rated at 30% disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and impotence, both found to be secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability. The bilateral hand disability is considered as secondary to the left ankle tendonitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death, and thus grants service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his SSA and OPM disability benefits records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a herniated cervical disc C5-6 and a temporary total rating based on convalescence for fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae diskectomy and fusion, finding no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed back disorder was not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease, right shoulder condition as secondary to low back disability, and higher rating for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's current conditions are found to be unrelated to his active service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left wrist disorder and a cervical spine disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his neck injury with cervical muscle spasm was granted, and he is now receiving a 40% disability rating effective February 9, 2005.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a cervical spine disorder is granted. An initial rating of 30 percent for sinusitis from August 10, 2007 forward is also granted.

The Veteran's left arm disability is being remanded for further examination and analysis due to the complexity of the issues, including potential secondary service connection.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current conditions to his military service and denied all claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral CTS and left ulnar nerve neuropathy, DJD of the shoulders and knees, and degenerative joint disease of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals for the lumbar spine, HIV/AIDS, and cervical spine conditions. His hypertension and sleep disorder service connection claims have also been dismissed.