Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2013

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, including associated upper extremity radiculopathy and a left knee disorder on the basis of new evidence. The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10%.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability (strain) and left ankle disability are not service-connected as there is no current evidence of these conditions during the appeals period.,Bilateral pes planus was pre-existing but did not worsen due to military service. The Veteran has been granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral inguinal hernia disability is not service-connected as there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition during service and the current condition did not manifest until after discharge. The other issues were either not addressed or are not supported by sufficient evidence.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to December 10, 2009. A separate rating of 10 percent for right upper extremity radiculitis associated with the cervical spine disability was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 50 percent as of July 8, 2009. The cervical spine and bilateral shoulder disorders are not service connected due to lack of evidence showing arthritis during or within one year after service. Headache disorder was not addressed in the decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to additional development being required, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and a medical opinion regarding his left upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to issues with representation and notification. The claims for service connection are on the merits, but need further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and clarification of medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy of the lower extremities, secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability. The remaining issues are REMANDED for further development.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability and incontinence, as secondary to his service-connected back disability. The case is being remanded to obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's neck disability could be secondary to his service-connected back disability, and to afford him with a new VA examination for his incontinence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck disability is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination and an addendum opinion to address the Veteran's assertions of neck pain during service and after service.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle strain, DJD of the left knee previously tendonitis, postoperative (P/O), DJD of the right knee previously tendonitis, postoperative (P/O), and DJD of the right knee with limited extension are all rated at 10 percent. The cervical spine DDD and DJD is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder, including degenerative joint disease and stenosis of the cervical spine, is not related to his military service. The claim for secondary service connection due to a service-connected lumbar spine disability was also denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is related to his service-connected cervical myositis and bulging disc, thoracic discogenic disease and lumbosacral bulging disc, neurodermatitis, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (previously an unspecified skin condition of the bilateral calves and forearms), obstructive sleep apnea, and residuals of a left ankle fracture. The Veteran's cervical myositis and bulging disc, thoracic discogenic disease and lumbosacral bulging disc are granted with initial ratings in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a fainting condition, irritable bowel syndrome with chronic constipation, and degenerative changes of the cervical spine is being remanded due to missing VA examinations. The examiner will determine if these conditions are related to service or any other factors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left arm/shoulder disability is related to service and granted a rating of 20 percent for his cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the submission of new medical authorizations by the Veteran.

The Veteran's congenital defects of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, shoulder, and pectoral muscles were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service.