Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2012

The Board has ordered additional development for the appellant's claims, including obtaining his service medical records and arranging for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for further consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection of his left shoulder injury, cervical strain, and laceration of the left hand should be remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration. The claims are also inextricably intertwined with a claim for an initial rating higher than 0 percent for the laceration scar on his left hand.

The Veteran's increased ratings for chronic lower back strain with degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, as well as initial increased rating for degenerative disc and joint disease of the cervical spine, were granted effective November 23, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected disabilities were denied. The VA determined that the evidence did not meet the criteria for increased evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, as well as TDIU, were denied. The current ratings for these conditions are considered appropriate.

The Board has remanded this matter for further development and the Veteran should be scheduled for a Travel Board hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted an initial rating of 20 percent effective September 26, 2003. The appeal is for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of his current condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied, as the July 2000 rating decision granting service connection was final. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing with a Decision Review Officer (DRO). The case will be returned to the Board after this action.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a lower back injury and residuals of a cervical spine injury. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and consideration, including obtaining updated treatment records and providing additional medical nexus opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's peripheral vascular disease, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and left knee disability were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board denied the claims for increased ratings for his left knee and ankle disabilities, as well as a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is rated at 50 percent effective July 12, 2003. His cervical spine DDD is rated at 30 percent, effective July 12, 2003. His lumbar spine DDD is rated at 60 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spondylosis with myelopathy was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and therefore denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine DJD and DDD are not related to his service-connected conditions, including his left knee and hip disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding of direct causation or aggravation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his active service, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA and are not caused by a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed cervical spine, low back, bilateral hip, and upper extremity neurological disorders are not etiologically related to his military service.