Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus was denied as the disability is already rated at its maximum level.,The status of her adjustment disorder and cervical spine disorders remains unclear due to lack of recent VA examinations.

The Board finds that service connection is granted for a headache disorder, but the Veteran's claims for tinnitus and a disability of the cervical spine must be remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's conduct and cooperation were not satisfactory, leading to the discontinuance of his vocational rehabilitation benefits.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spondylosis and lumbar radiculitis are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence after a previous SSOC, and the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including severe DJD of the left shoulder status post total left shoulder arthroplasty and cervicalgia. The remaining issues are pending further review.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations. The issues of service connection remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VCAA notice and VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's seizure and cervical spine disorders are related to his service-connected head wounds, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing proper notice.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine disability and headaches, finding that these conditions are related to his active duty service. The Veteran's right and left hand disabilities remain in appellate status.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and headaches are not related to service.,Left first toe arthritis and bunion were manifested more than one year after service and are not related to service or to service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a neck disability, headaches, and hydrocephalus. The VA examinations did not support the Veteran's assertions regarding head injuries in service.

The Veteran is granted service connection for cervical degenerative and disc disease and cervical foraminal stenosis, cervical myelopathy with neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and cervical myelopathy with neuropathy of the right upper extremity. The effective date for these grants is set at April 29, 1988.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination. The issues of service connection for back, neck, and right leg disabilities are inextricably intertwined with his Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits claim.

The Board found that the reductions in ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, right C6 radiculopathy, and a cervical spine fusion scar were proper based on improvement in the Veteran's conditions.

The claim of service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease with residuals has been reopened and remains denied.,Service connection for a lung disability as a result of asbestos exposure is not granted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, which represents a complete grant of the benefit sought on appeal. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, neck disability and left varicocele are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, and respiratory disability (COPD) are denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a causal relationship to service. The claim for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine conditions remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disorders were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of chronic conditions during service or within one year post-service. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, and cervical spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, and neuroforaminal narrowing. The Veteran's current conditions are deemed to be directly related to his military service.