Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current musculoskeletal disabilities, including left foot disability, low back disability, neck disability, left leg disability (including radiculopathy), left ankle disability, bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral elbow disability, and bilateral hand disability are related to a motor vehicle accident during service. As such, these conditions have been granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for PTSD, hemorrhoids, and tinea versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis have been granted. The effective dates are as follows: PTSD from February 2, 2001; hemorrhoids from August 29, 2000; and tinea versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis from December 26, 2006.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including a headache, hearing loss, neck disability, low back disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, and eye disability, were denied as there is no evidence of current diagnoses or in-service incurrence.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of a bilateral hip disability, low back disability, or neck disability. The preponderance of the evidence is against these claims.

The Board found no evidence to support a relationship between the Veteran's current back injury with arthritis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and his military service.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine with herniated discs at C5-6-7 and bulging discs at T8-9 and L3-4-5 is found to have manifested as a result of active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or relationship to service for most conditions, except for hepatitis C which was granted up to 30 percent prior to October 26, 2009.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current back and neck disabilities, including cervical spondylosis and degenerative disc disease, L5-S1 degenerative disc disease. The Veteran's service treatment records document multiple reports of back pain/strains, a 1976 motor vehicle accident, and a 1982 lifting incident; VA outpatient treatment records; the December 2009 VA examination report; and any other relevant information will be considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracic and cervical spine disorder, diagnosed as age-related degenerative disc disease/degenerative joint disease of the cervical and thoracolumbar spine, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The residuals of a right foot sprain are also denied.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any current incontinence, skin disorder, low back disability, cervical spine disability, and right shoulder disability. The Veteran will be provided with a supplemental statement of the case if any benefits sought remain denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbosacral and cervical spine disorders did not have their onset during service or are related to any incident in service, including a parachute jump. Service connection was denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted prior to July 28, 2009. Claims for service connection have been reopened and direct service connection has been established for a left hand disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration of new evidence. The issue remains about an increased rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a travel Board hearing. The issues are related to reopening claims for service connection.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disorder, including degenerative disc disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is unrelated to active duty. The cervical spine disorder resolved without chronic residuals during service and is also unrelated to active duty. The skin disorder of the feet was not shown in service and is unrelated to active duty.,The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disorder (including degenerative disc disease), cervical spine disorder, and skin disorder of the feet were all determined to be not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, vision impairment, and neurological disorders. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis of the upper extremities is not related to his active service and denied this claim. The claim for reopening the disability of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spines was also denied as no new and material evidence had been received.

The Veteran's chronic headaches, neck disability, and obstructive sleep apnea are all found to be related to her active military service.