Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations or service connection in all cases.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine degenerative disc disease and lumbosacral strain are not related to service, as there is no evidence of a relationship between these conditions and any in-service injury. The post-service injuries have been considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor may they be presumed to have been so incurred. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found no medical nexus between the Veteran's current cervical spine disability and his period of service, including any motor vehicle accident during active duty for training. The examiner opined that it was more likely related to a work injury in 1996.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, gynecology condition, left eye disorder, right hand and arm injury, skin disorder, and chronic sinusitis. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the original grant of service connection for chronic cervical spine strain and residuals of a fractured mandible was based on clear and unmistakable error, leading to the denial of severance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to locate VA treatment records and provide proper VCAA notice.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining records from McGuire Air Force Base and providing VCAA notice regarding her service connection claim for skin allergies.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including psychiatric conditions, knee and spine issues, high blood pressure, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss. The case is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of low back disability, service connection for cervical spine disorder and left arm disorder as secondary to the service-connected low back disability are being remanded due to receipt of additional medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of service records and need for additional information regarding the claimed stressor. The Veteran's claims will be adjudicated without regard to prior denials.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining physical examination reports from the State Police and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed left knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine degenerative joint disease, claimed as residuals of a back injury, is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a member of the Board at his local RO.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for an extension of the period of eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services due to his ability to overcome employment handicaps and his current capabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of scoliosis and denied her claims for service connection for spondylosis of the cervical spine and intervertebral disc syndrome of the thoracolumbar spine, finding no direct evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed cervical, right knee, lumbar, right shoulder, and right thumb disorders are not related to service. Hypoglycemia is not a disability or disease associated with service origin.

The Board has restored service connection for mid back, thoracic spine strain and right ulnar neuropathy. Service connection for a cervical spine disorder was properly severed due to clear and unmistakable error.

The Veteran is seeking to reopen his claims for service connection for chronic ischemic heart disease and degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spine, as well as hypertension secondary to diabetes. He also seeks service connection for PTSD and erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes, and chloracne secondary to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran is seeking to reopen his claim for service connection for degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spine, as well as hypertension secondary to diabetes. He also seeks service connection for PTSD and erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes, and chloracne secondary to herbicide exposure.,,,The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD based on in-service stressors, but his claim has not been verified by the U.S. Army and Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC).,The Veteran is seeking service connection for chloracne secondary to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling him for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.