Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities were denied. However, he was granted initial ratings of 10% each for the radiculopathy in both upper extremities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and pulmonary embolisms are not service-connected, with no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, a sleep disorder (claimed as PTSD), and cervical spine condition have been denied. The claim for increased rating of lumbar spine disability has also been denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. However, the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not considered to have been aggravated by active service or any incident thereof. The Board also found no credible supporting evidence for a claimed in-service stressor related to PTSD, thus denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder). Service connection was denied for headaches, a vestibular disorder, and unspecified muscle, joint and neck pain.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for a psychiatric disorder, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, as it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right hip disability. The remaining issues of service connection are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for VA examinations and further review of the evidence.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions were denied as there is no current evidence of a chronic disability related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, including fused vertebrae. The case is REMANDED for obtaining missing service treatment records and SSA disability determination records.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a new VA examination of the Veteran's cervical spine and obtaining records from Social Security Administration.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and attempting to obtain any additional records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine injuries will be adjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's left knee, cervical spine, right shoulder, right hip and left ankle disorders are found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. Effective February 8, 2006, a 10% evaluation is assigned for the right knee.

The Veteran claims service connection for a cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disorder that he contends is secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability. The Board finds the VA examination inadequate and remands the case for further development.