Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2011

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder was granted service connection.,Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied, with a rating of 10 percent prior to June 18, 2008 and denied as of that date.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for a disability of the cervical spine, including cervical degenerative disease and cervical radiculopathy. The Veteran's current symptoms are not shown to be related to an injury in service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional VA examinations and to obtain outstanding treatment records. The case will be readjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a cervical spine disability. The Board has determined that additional development, including an examination and opinion, is needed to properly adjudicate the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an extraschedular rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization due to the condition.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40% effective October 16, 2009. The cervical spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's neck disorder is service-connected, but his claimed residuals of a head injury are not considered related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding medical records. The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected cervical spine disability is being considered.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine strain and degenerative disc disease of the L4-5 with facet arthrosis are being remanded for further examination to determine their current severity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine the etiology of her cervical spine degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of service treatment records and additional development is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back, upper spine, neck, and shoulder disabilities. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee disability was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed low back, bilateral foot, cervical spine arthralgias, and right ankle disorders are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptomatology or a nexus between current disabilities and service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran had other periods of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty for Training (INACDUTRA). The Veteran's hearing loss may be related to his active duty service, but a VA examination is needed to clarify this. For his knee disabilities, a VA examination is also needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and migraines, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative spurring of the left tibiotalar joint is granted with a 10 percent initial rating.,Tinnitus and obstructive sleep apnea are both found to be related to military service, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities were denied. The evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current manifestations of his conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar and cervical spine arthritis, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence.