Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his cervical spine myelopathy and anterior C5-6 and C6-7 discectomy residuals with fusion is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and updating the claims file.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and a cervical spine disorder to allow for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected lumbosacral/dorsal spine disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation above 10 percent for seasonal allergic rhinitis with reactive airway disease, diabetes mellitus was not incurred in active duty, hyperlipidemia is a laboratory finding, joint pain as a manifestation of a separately diagnosed disability from the service-connected left ankle arthritis and cervical and thoracolumbar spine arthritis did not have its onset during active military service, a thoracic spine disability representing a separately diagnosed disability from the service-connected thoracolumbar spine arthritis was not incurred in active duty, obstructive sleep apnea did not have its onset during active military service and is not etiologically related to, or otherwise worsened beyond its natural clinical progression by, service-connected seasonal allergic rhinitis with reactive airway disease. The claims for tuberculosis, a corneal abrasion of the right eye, and CTS of the left wrist were denied as well.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional records and determine if new and material evidence has been submitted.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete records and need for a more valid opinion regarding the Veteran's spinal conditions.

The Veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions and they are not related to his service.

The Veteran's appeal includes issues related to increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, effective dates for service connection of thoracolumbar spine strain and tinnitus, and reopening a claim for cervical spine disorder. The case is being remanded due to the Veteran requesting a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current cervical spine disorder, as well as whether it is related to service. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the Veteran's remaining claims of service connection for right ankle disorder, left knee disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, and back disorder are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims to reopen his service connection for cervical and lumbar spine conditions, as well as PTSD. The evidence received since previous decisions did not meet the criteria for reopening these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury, patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, and a cervical spine disorder. The evidence did not establish current disabilities or link these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of her cervical spine disorder, bilateral knee disorders, and lumbar spinal fusion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar radiculitis is currently rated at 40 percent effective October 5, 2011. The Veteran's cervical spondylosis is currently rated at 30 percent effective October 5, 2011.,Both conditions are rated based on their current manifestations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and updating treatment records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a cervical spine disorder is pending.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional evidence and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to address his claims.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities have been evaluated as 10 percent disabling throughout the rating period. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of the rating decision. Service connection for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and residuals of traumatic brain injury are not granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was incurred in service and is currently present. Service connection for nerve damage of the right foot is not established. The claim for an increased rating for lumbar spinal degenerative joint disease has been granted.