Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2012

The Veteran's left brachial plexus neuropraxia, now diagnosed as cervical radiculopathy, did not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent prior to September 9, 2010.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder as the evidence did not show that the injury occurred during qualifying active duty, ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is found to be service-connected. The cervical, left leg, right leg, left hip, and right hip disabilities are not service-connected.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and review, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and any additional pertinent records identified by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and a cervical spine disorder are all pending. The earlier effective date claim for TDIU is also pending.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and a higher rating of 30 percent has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed neck and back disabilities, as well as a scar on his left hand, are not related to service. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine has been denied. The Board also found that there is no evidence to support an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a hearing scheduling issue, and no notification of the September 2009 hearing date was provided.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and providing VCAA notice.

The Veteran's stomach/swallowing disability, including dysphagia with hiatal hernia, is service-connected. The claim for tinnitus is remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine if it is related to in-service noise exposure. Service connection is granted for the cervical spine, bilateral foot, right shoulder, and right hand disabilities based on evidence of current disability and in-service injury or symptomatology.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a heart condition, and low back and neck disabilities. Service connection was not established for the liver condition or hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is found to be the cause or aggravation of his left lower extremity neuropathy, right knee disability, cervical muscle strain, and carpal tunnel syndromes. Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has also been granted as secondary to service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. Rush.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his service connection claims, including obtaining treatment records and attempting to obtain complete service treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbosacral spine; residuals of a right shoulder injury; intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical spine; right arm radiculopathy as secondary to cervical spine associated with intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical spine; and headaches, prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence, including private treatment records from Dr. Terry Horton and Holt-Krock Clinic.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The initial rating for varicose veins in the left lower extremity prior to December 9, 2010 was not granted as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Since December 9, 2010, he is rated at 40 percent and no further increase is warranted. Service connection was denied for lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, right hand disorder, left hand disorder, nerve disorders to upper extremities, and eye disorder.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, cervical and lumbar spine conditions. The case is REMANDED to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC), in Washington, DC.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for cervical spine issues, including spinal stenosis and disc herniation, which he claims are related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development of evidence.