Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is causing his headaches. His initial rating for the cervical spine was denied, but he received a higher rating from December 28, 2010 onwards. He also receives a TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's DDD of the cervical spine, finding that it is likely due to a significant injury sustained during active service. The claim for DDD of the lumbosacral spine remains pending as there was no Statement of the Case issued.

The Board has decided to separate the issues of service connection for a neck disability and headaches, as the Veteran's statements indicate that his headaches are in fact separate and distinct disabilities. The case is being remanded for additional development including obtaining medical records, scheduling VA examinations, and providing an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any currently present right knee and neck disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed cervical spine, left shoulder, and right leg disabilities. The claim will be reconsidered based on all evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if his cervical spine spondylosis and headaches are related to service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been rated at 10 percent since August 1, 2002.

The Board has granted service connection for a herniated nucleus pulposus of the cervical spine with bilateral radiculopathy, finding that it is related to symptoms observed during service.

The Veteran's claims were granted for service connection for various spinal disabilities and associated radiculopathies. The RO also increased her disability ratings for these conditions, with some changes effective May 23, 2013.

The Veteran's TMJD with bone resorption is rated at 50 percent effective August 25, 2008. The other issues on appeal are not currently before the Board.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a neck disability, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not incurred during or as a result of his active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a cervical spine examination. The issue of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome has also been raised.

The VA determined that the Veteran's service-connected cervical and thoracic spine disorders do not warrant an increased disability rating, as they do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and other orthopedic conditions, are found to preclude him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment. The Board grants a TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and conducting updated VA examinations. The appeals will be reconsidered after the additional evidence is added to the record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to concerns about the severity of the service-connected back disability and radiculopathy, as well as the potential relationship between a neck disability and an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's cervical stenosis and his service or any service-connected disability, leading to denial of both direct and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU was granted, with a 10 percent rating assigned for left knee chondromalacia. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine disabilities are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease leading to current disability.