Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2012

The Board finds that the Veteran's current degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is not related to active service and was not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's right C5-6 cervical radiculopathy and absent brachial reflexes are considered to be reasonably foreseeable consequences of the 1992 surgery, but his psychiatric disorder is not related to the VA care.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a VA opinion to determine if he had arthritis within one year of separation from service and whether any such arthritis manifested to a compensable degree within one year of separation. The examiner should also provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's cervical spine disability was incurred in active service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a cervical spine disability, which he claims is related to his service-connected osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before this claim can be decided.

The Board has granted a higher initial evaluation of 20 percent for the service-connected cervical spondylosis, effective from June 25, 2007 to April 19, 2012. The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected cervical spine disability was denied, and the Board found that a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted. The issue of service connection for a neurological disability of the upper and lower extremities remains pending.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a bilateral knee disability, low back strain, and neck disability. However, further development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disorders was denied because she failed to report for a necessary VA examination without providing good cause.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for neck and back injuries sustained during active duty. The Board has determined that additional development, including a VA examination, is necessary to properly adjudicate the claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for herpes zoster with neurological deficits and cervical spine disability due to additional development being necessary.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's back disability and arthritis.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 30 percent, effective December 12, 2011. The VA examiner found that the Veteran has forward flexion to no worse than 26 degrees and a combined range of motion of 206 degrees from December 12, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disorder and a cervical spine disorder, finding no evidence of current disability related to service.,Service records did not show any injury or abnormality in the shoulders during service. Multiple VA examinations found no current residuals from putative service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for ankylosing spondylitis of the thoracolumbar spine and cervical spine have been granted, but both are at their maximum allowable ratings.

The Board has remanded the claims due to missing service treatment records and the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine is a congenital abnormality that clearly and unmistakably pre-existed his military service and was not aggravated in service.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and headaches. The Veteran's current conditions are found to be related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical disability is related to his in-service injuries and finds service connection for this condition is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims, including service connection for variously diagnosed psychiatric disorders, cervical spine arthritis, hypertension, heart disorder, and left leg arthritis, as well as a compensable rating for residuals of a left tibia injury.