Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are currently evaluated at 20 percent each, but the Board finds that an increased evaluation is not warranted.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for his service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities have been granted, with the lumbar spine receiving a 40% evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral foot disorder but denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder. The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder is presumed to have been incurred in service, while his cervical spine disorder is not considered to be related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since January 1, 2000.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder did not have its onset during active service or become manifest within the first post-service year, and thus denied his claim of entitlement to service connection.