Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the case to allow the Veteran to have a Travel Board or videoconference hearing, and no further action is required until notified.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have additional disability of cervical spine C6-C7 concentric disc bulging or left ear disorder as a result of VA medical treatment involving cervical spine surgery in August 1996.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The initial rating assigned for postoperative residuals of a lateral collateral ligament tear of the right knee with DJD was found to be appropriate, but his secondary service connection claims were not supported by the evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's herniated cervical spine disc is related to her service, and for any other necessary development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a medical examination to determine the current impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability. Additional relevant medical records, including VA and Travis Air Force Base records, are also requested.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that there was no evidence linking the condition to active service or a service-connected knee disability. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability claim remains pending as new and material evidence has not been presented.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, left arm disability, and left hand disability are related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including provision of a new VA examination to address service connection claims and an opinion regarding entitlement to TDIU. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities include right shoulder disability, PTSD, and pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical, seronegative spondyloarthropathy, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed back and left shoulder disorders, including a lack of in-service documentation. The Veteran will be provided with additional examinations and records.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and effective date was granted, with a rating of 30 percent assigned for the cervical spine disability since December 2, 2010. The effective date is set at December 2, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spondylosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cervical and lumbosacral spine disabilities due to outstanding VA medical records that may be pertinent to these matters.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's left ankle disability, cervical spine, left shoulder, and right foot disabilities. The claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder with anxiety as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia and lumbosacral spine disabilities.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to inadequate medical examination and the need for further development regarding the Veteran's neck and cervical spine disorder.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, to include as secondary to the service-connected mechanical low back strain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. As a result, the Board dismisses this issue.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for reopening her service connection claim for a cervical spine disability and for an increased evaluation for anemia. The evidence received since the December 1996 rating decision was found to be insufficient to reopen the cervical spine disability claim, while the anemia claim was denied as there was no showing of hemoglobin levels below 10 grams per deciliter.

The Board found that there is no credible evidence linking the Veteran's current cervical spine/neck disability to his service, including an in-service neck injury. The claim for service connection was denied.