Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his cervical spine disability and myelitis is denied. Additional development is needed to determine the extent of neurological impairment due to myelitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including left ear disability, residuals of jaw infection, cervical spine disability, low back disability, right hip disability, and left elbow disability, were not incurred or aggravated during his active duty service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent, the maximum available rating.,The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine is rated at 30 percent based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on several service-connected conditions have been withdrawn, and the claims are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any permanent residual disabilities resulting from injuries sustained during his National Guard service, and therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for residuals of a left elbow injury, cervical spine strain, lumbar spine strain, or hyperextension injuries to both knees.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current DM.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of medical evidence.

The VA denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a cervical spine disorder and a right shoulder disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbosacral spine, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness. The case is now pending with the RO for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and hearing loss, have rendered him unable to obtain or retain employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests. The Board has granted vocational rehabilitation benefits for a law degree.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a cervical spine disability is being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions. The case will be reviewed after an additional medical opinion is provided.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Veteran was granted a 10% rating for internal derangement of the left knee, but his other conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cervical disc disease was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent. The issue regarding migraine headaches prior to December 19, 2006 and from that date remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his cervical spine disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine if the Veteran's preexisting cervical spine fusion was aggravated during his active service, and whether he should be granted service connection for this disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is manifested by a limitation of flexion and range of motion, but no clinical observations of muscle spasms or abnormal contour. The Veteran experiences neck pain, stiffness, and loss of sleep, which he manages with over-the-counter medication and a heating pad.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability was granted, but a rating of more than 10 percent is denied. The left knee and PTSD claims are not addressed as they were not part of the original appeal.

The Veteran's claims for left knee and neck disabilities have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The Board finds that service connection is established for a left knee disability, but further development is needed before addressing the claim for a neck disability on its merits.

The Board has found that there is no competent medical evidence of record relating the Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities to his service in the military. Therefore, these claims are denied.

The Board has determined that a new examination and opinion are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities. The case is therefore being remanded.