Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted for his back, neck, right knee, left knee, or frostbite residuals.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to make a decision on the Veteran's claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and arranging for examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and development of his medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety (panic), are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The Veteran was exposed to combat in Iraq, which is sufficient evidence for service connection under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1154(b).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical myositis with discogenic disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are being remanded to allow for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and ensuring all Spanish documents are translated.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical and low back disabilities have not been related to his service-connected residuals of a fracture of the left clavicle, either causally or by aggravation. Therefore, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability and has ordered additional development, including obtaining medical records and notifying the Veteran of what evidence would be necessary to substantiate his claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was initially rated at 20 percent and increased to 40 percent effective July 31, 2000. His cervical spine disability was initially rated at 20 percent and increased to 30 percent effective July 31, 2000.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is now rated at 60 percent from July 31, 2000.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and requires additional examinations for the Veteran's back, neck, and psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease and dysthymia associated with cervical spine disability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, cervical spine, and left shoulder disorders are related to his military service injury in April 1999. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's left and right shoulder disabilities are found to be related to his active service, with the neck disability also being connected to service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.,A rating in excess of 10 percent is denied for GERD prior to May 5, 2010, and a rating in excess of 10 percent is granted from that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, low back, headaches, and tinnitus disabilities are related to service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's cervical and thoracic spine arthritis are found to be related to his military service, with the grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is not related to service, including his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a separate upper extremity disorder other than an undiagnosed cervical spine disorder manifested by pain and numbness of the arms and shoulders was denied. His claims for higher initial ratings for lumbosacral strain, bilateral pes planus, and acne were also denied.

The Board is remanding the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to his service, including an in-service jeep accident. The examiner should also consider whether any currently diagnosed cervical spine disability was caused or aggravated by any of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that new and material evidence has not been submitted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, provide a new hepatitis C questionnaire, schedule VA examinations for his neck, back and feet conditions, and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a miscarriage due to radiation therapy and an increased amount payable for special monthly compensation were withdrawn. The appeal regarding the effective date of a 10 percent rating for cervical cancer with urinary dysfunction residuals was dismissed as there is no evidence of a claim prior to February 25, 2005.