Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2014

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure. The right knee disability is also found to be at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's initial higher ratings for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show forward flexion of either spine at or below the required levels.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine and left upper extremity disabilities are not related to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder, cervical spine strain, bilateral knee strain, and bilateral foot strain are not related to his service.,There is no evidence of any in-service injury or disease that could have led to these current conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current neck disability is caused or aggravated by his service-connected migraine headaches and traumatic brain injury, which are etiologically related to his active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability and headaches are not related to his military service, thus denying both claims.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for further proceedings due to the need to obtain unit records from the Veteran's service in Bahrain.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and securing SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic cervical spine disability will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a current lung disability or cervical spine disability related to service, and thus denied the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development, including the provision of an examination and consideration of whether his service-connected conditions alone rendered him unemployable prior to August 15, 2000.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is rated at 10 percent, and his thoracic/lumbar spine strain is rated at 20 percent. Both conditions are denied for higher ratings.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, left ankle disorder, left shoulder disorder, and neck/cervical spine disorder. The reasons are provided in the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed lumbar spine, cervical spine, right shoulder, and left shoulder disabilities are not related to his military service. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis was incurred in service and is granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection and treatment records. The Veteran's current spinal disabilities may be related to a military accident, but more information is needed to determine their exact cause. His psychiatric symptoms are also unclear, as they could relate to his combat experience or other factors.

The Board has found that the Veteran's DJD and spondylosis of the cervical spine are etiologically related to a motor vehicle accident during active service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right shoulder disability and degenerative changes of the thoracic and lumbar spines. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and his right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent. The evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on his thoracic spine, cervical spine, and left foot bony exostosis disabilities have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.