Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2010

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its onset, aggravation by service, and whether it was caused or aggravated by a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evaluations and medical opinions regarding his service-connected conditions, as well as new claims of sinusitis and epistaxis.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for a cervical spine disability and an extension of a temporary total evaluation based on convalescence following surgeries in 2001 and 2003 are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for residuals of a cervical spine fracture and service connection for a heart condition to the RO for further development. The Veteran must provide copies of all Social Security Administration records dating from April 2001 through April 2002.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA spine examination to evaluate the current nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed upper back disability (thoracic and cervical spine).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim to reopen the low back disorder was also denied.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of an etiological relationship between the Veteran's cervical spine disability and service, resulting in denial of the claim.

The Board has vacated its December 30, 2008 decision and denied increased disability evaluations for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disabilities. Service connection was not established for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or a duodenal ulcer as secondary to service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and thoracic spine disorders are not related to service, as there is no evidence of a fall in service or arthritis within one year post-service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine condition was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may it be presumed to have developed as a result of his service-connected ankle and knee disabilities. The claim for secondary service connection was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and a left ankle disability, finding that the Veteran's current complaints are related to injuries sustained during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing due to her recent illness. Her claims of increased disability ratings for cervical cancer and endocarditis are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a Statement of the Case on his claim for an increased rating for left thoracic outlet syndrome and to schedule him for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed shoulder and cervical spine disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a new examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's left shoulder disability and whether any cervical spine disability is related to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly lumbar DDD with mechanical low back pain, result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds that the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance have been met.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including spondylosis and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, was granted a higher initial rating from November 29, 2000 to present. The current effective date is pending as it has not been determined.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's neck scars and cervical spine disorder, requiring further development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

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

The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder and his period of active service, including an in-service motorcycle accident. The preponderance of the evidence does not show continuity of symptomatology from service.