Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and cervical spine disorders are not related to service or any presumptive exposure, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of lumbar spine injury condition and dorsal spine sprain/strain condition. The original claim was denied in August 2001, and no new or material evidence has been submitted since then.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities make it impossible for him to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine, T5 compression fracture, cervical spine disability, and headaches disorder are not related to service or any service-connected disabilities. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating based on additional limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, as well as a supplemental opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current spine disabilities and service.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's headaches and cervical spine disability are related to service, including parachute jumps during service.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which meets the criteria for a higher rating. The other two issues (left and right knee disabilities) are not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for his herniated lumbar disc at L5-S1 was denied. Service connection for cervical spine disorder and paresthesias of the left upper extremity were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for spinal stenosis of the lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as the issue regarding severance of service connection for PTSD, are being remanded due to inadequate evidence. Further development is needed including a VA examination, verification of claimed stressors, and additional medical records.

The Veteran's cervical spine conditions and mood disorder are service-connected, with the mood disorder being secondary to his service-connected cervical spine conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA medical records. The issues of service connection for a back disability and compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for cervical spine collapse due to spinal stenosis are now pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in dismissal of the case.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disorders. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his time in service.,Service connection was also denied for a back disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a valid claim for service connection for any of the conditions listed, including PTSD and head trauma. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the regular aid and attendance of another person, resulting in a grant of special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, a lumbar spine disability, and a bilateral leg disability due to lack of evidence showing a current disability related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.