Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his cervical spine disability was denied, as the evidence did not show forward flexion of the cervical spine less than 30 degrees or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of least 2 weeks during any 12 month period. The claims for service connection for an upper respiratory infection and bilateral hearing loss were also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine and left shoulder disabilities are not etiologically related to his service, including a motor vehicle accident during service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is not related to his neck injury in service and denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting new examinations to address the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, low back disability, neck disability, bunion right foot, and bunion left foot were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active duty. Service connection is not granted for a bilateral hip disability as there is no evidence of its onset in or being otherwise related to service.

The Board is granting service connection for a foreshortened right leg and consequent right hip disability. However, the remaining claims of service connection for hypothyroidism, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and low testosterone are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, left hand ring finger disability, and neck disability are related to his service. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding these claims.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to his active service, and the Board finds that service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is granted. The issue of a higher rating for lumbar spinal stenosis remains pending.

The Veteran's bilateral wrist disability, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), is service-connected as it developed due to her extensive typing duties during active military service. The cervical spine and upper extremity disorders are also service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of new evidence, including a VHA opinion. The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability and whether it is secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, diagnosed as cervical radiculopathy and cervical strain post cervical laminectomy and discectomy, is not etiologically related to service. As a result, the claim for service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's thoracic and lumbar spine disorder, as well as his cervical spine disorder (including fibrositis and osteoarthritis of the cervical spine), both on a direct basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated clinical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected cervical strain and right knee disability.

The Veteran's current cervical spine degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease are not related to service, and the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing due to scheduling issues. The main issues are seeking higher ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spine, as well as TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability and left arm radiculopathy. The issues related to service connection are inextricably intertwined, and a new examination is needed to assess the severity of the Veteran's PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a hearing issue and will schedule a Travel Board hearing for the Veteran.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and skin disorder of the feet. The evidence does not support an in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.