Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, diagnosed as cervical disc disease, cervical spondylosis, and cervical spine strain/sprain, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The preponderance of evidence shows that it is unrelated to her military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right hip condition on a secondary basis to his service-connected knee disability. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee, cervical spine, and right arm numbness and weakness are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a neck injury, including cervical spine disability, finding no evidence of an onset in service or relationship to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his service connection claims for a low back disorder, left elbow disorder, and left knee disability. The claim was not reopened as new and material evidence had not been received.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are so disabling as to prevent him from dressing himself and frequently adjusting his special orthopedic appliance without aid, meeting the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and medical examinations to determine the etiology of his cervical spine disorder, kidney cancer, and bronchitis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess his cervical spine disability and psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disorders of the cervical and lumbar spine, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service helicopter crash during combat operations.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine disorder are found to be incurred in service, warranting service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability warrants a 20 percent rating, but not higher. The lumbar spine disability does not warrant any increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further action consistent with a joint motion. The Veteran's appeal is now pending before the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability closely approximates unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, warranting a 40% evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Appellant's disabilities rendered her physically helpless in performing daily activities and required aid and attendance from March 11, 2004 to November 20, 2008. She was also found to be substantially confined to her home or immediate premises due to her disabilities reasonably certain to remain throughout her lifetime.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Canton-Potsdam Hospital from April 1, 2009 to April 3, 2009 is being remanded due to the need for clarification and additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches and neck disability are etiologically related to his service-connected TMJ dysfunction, warranting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for scoliosis, spondylosis of the cervical spine, and a lumbar spine disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses are considered to be related to her military service.

The Board has established service connection for a cervical spine disability (neck disorder) based on direct evidence of injury and current condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining a service separation examination and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to address his spine and gastrointestinal conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, diagnosed as cervical degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis, was incurred in or aggravated by active military service.