Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2013

The Veteran's cervical spine compression fracture and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease were not rated higher than 10 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to various disabilities, including hearing loss, elbow and knee conditions, spine disorders, foot problems, and a scar. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper extremities were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor are they related to a service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's left leg meralgia paresthesia/lumbar radiculopathy and cervical spine stenosis with disc disease were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may they be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective December 14, 2004. She was granted a separate rating of 10 percent for left upper extremity neurologic deficit and denied for right upper extremity neuralgia.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination to assess the severity of his cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in an impairment of his ability to prepare for, obtain, or retain employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes and interests.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine arthritis is related to his active duty service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected cervical spine condition was denied. The RO assigned a 20 percent evaluation effective September 1, 2004.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck and back disabilities are at least as likely as not incurred during his active service, with application of the benefit-of-the-doubt rule.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal, which was dismissed by the Board.

The Veteran has a chronic cervical strain that began during her military service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence was against a finding that any claimed conditions had their onset in or were related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability, finding that the evidence is at least as likely as not related to active service. The Veteran's credible account of an in-service injury was considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and the need for additional evidence, including VA treatment records and an orthopedic examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a sleep disorder remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed back, neck, bilateral foot, skin, BPH, and hypertension disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing their onset or etiology in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for lumbar spine, cervical spine, right shoulder, and left shoulder disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder with degenerative changes is not related to her military service and did not manifest within one year of her discharge. Therefore, she does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine condition and tinnitus, as well as her increased rating claims for depressive disorder and sinusitis. The Veteran's claim for total disability based on individual unemployability was also denied.