Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his ulnar neuritis or elbow disability, nor did it meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to September 26, 2008 is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's current cervical spine disability, including degenerative disc disease and stenosis at C5-C6 and C6-C7, was incurred in active service. The Board finds that the Veteran's upper extremity radiculopathy is related to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability determination and records from the Livermore VA Medical Center.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine, cervical spine, and shoulder disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for further development due to a lack of discussion regarding the importance of certain service and post-service medical evidence in determining whether the Veteran's current low back and cervical spine disorders were caused during, as a result of, or aggravated by any incident of his active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine, chin, and head disorders are not related to his military service. The VA examiners' opinions were based on incomplete information regarding the in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder arthritis and cervical spine degenerative joint disease have been rated based on their respective limitations of motion. The low back strain with degenerative joint disease has also been rated, but the RO granted an increased rating effective January 1, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Alegent Immanuel Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska on April 19, 2007 is denied as the criteria for emergency treatment were not met.

The Veteran's neck and right inguinal hernia repairs are related to his military service, warranting service connection. The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10%.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa on April 13, 2008 are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities in May 2000, finding that new and material evidence had not been received. The claims remain denied.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, brain aneurysm, and cervical spine disability were denied as the evidence did not show a link to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

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

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he did not file a timely notice of disagreement with the September 2004 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to the Veteran's character of discharge and his service connection claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical disc disease is not related to his military service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is incurred in service, while his cervical spine disorder was not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disc disease and back disability are found to have begun during his period of active duty, warranting service connection.