Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and cervical strain were denied as the evidence did not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board denied reopening of previous final decisions regarding service connection for a back disorder and sinusitis, as well as service connection for cervical spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claims were all found to lack new and material evidence.

The Board determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death from smoke inhalation due to a fire, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including a new VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's right foot hallux valgus and cervical spine disability. The increased rating claim for PTSD is also addressed in this decision.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including an examination to determine the current severity of her cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that a cervical spine disorder was incurred in or related to service, including as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back and cervical spine disabilities are not related to service, as there is no evidence of chronic disability during service or continuity of symptomatology since service. The claims for service connection have therefore been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a chronic, acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD or any other psychiatric disability that had its clinical onset or is otherwise related to his service. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a video conference hearing and an effective date prior to July 8, 2009 for TDIU.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, previously adjudicated as service connection for facet joint syndrome of the neck and shoulders and arthritis of the spinal column, is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck and ankle disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service, and the medical evidence does not support a connection to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative spondylosis is being remanded for additional development to determine its relationship to service, including prior motor vehicle accidents and private treatment records.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is not related to his military service and has denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for an increased rating for postoperative cervical spine DJD and service connection for seborrheic dermatitis before the Board could make a decision.

The Board finds that the Veteran's DDD of the cervical and lumbar spine may be related to his honorable service, but cannot determine whether it is due to a specific incident or injury. The claim for service connection remains in a 'mixed' disposition as some issues are granted while others remain unresolved.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records from Memphis, TN in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The claim will be readjudicated after these records are obtained.