Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his low back disability and cervical spine disability, as well as bilateral knee disabilities, were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the old or new rating criteria.

The VA denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine strain, mechanical low back strain, left knee patellofemoral syndrome with knee strain, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome with knee strain. The current ratings are considered appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Board found that the Veteran's hysterectomy and salpingo-oophrectomy were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor are they related to her service-connected status post culdoscopy with cone biopsy.

The Board is remanding the case to provide the Veteran with a copy of the January 2001 video conference hearing transcript and schedule him for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and cervical spine disability are related to his service, either as a result of in-service onset or within one year post-service. Therefore, service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's spouse is not in need of regular aid and attendance, as she was able to leave her home and perform some personal activities without assistance.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a back disability during service or within one year after separation, and the current degenerative changes are not related to military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is related to an in-service motor vehicle accident, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and neck disability must be remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for an examination.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain and DDD of the lumbar spine, but denied service connection for cervical spine disability and fibromyalgia.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a cervical spine disability in April 2007. New evidence submitted since that decision does not relate to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hip, ankle, knee, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disabilities are related to his time in active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and is not proximately due to his service-connected left knee disability. The criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability have also been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's death due to chronic drug use was not service-connected, as there is no evidence showing a direct link between his military service and the cause of death. The medications prescribed for his service-connected disabilities were considered but did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability and headaches did not manifest within one year of separation from service, and there is no evidence of a continuity of symptoms. The VA examiner determined that these conditions are not related to his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the right hand and fingers. The reopened issue, along with other claims on appeal, are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a neck condition during active service or within one year after discharge. The VA examiner concluded it is unlikely that parachute jumping or a head injury led to the current disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was not presented to reopen the claim of service connection for degenerative changes of the right knee, as well as denial of service connection for psychiatric disorder (anxiety), cervical spine disability, and peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder is not related to his in-service motor vehicle accident and does not meet the criteria for service connection on a direct basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, and left hip disability are not related to service or any service-connected conditions.