Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lower back, left shoulder, and cervical spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of functional impairment.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for multiple disabilities, including a low back disability and associated shoulder and neck issues. The appeal has been remanded due to the need for further examination and clarification of etiology.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was granted, with an initial evaluation of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee, migraine headaches, neck, and low back disabilities are related to service and grants service connection for all four conditions.

The Board found no evidence of a low back or neck disability during service and insufficient medical nexus to establish service connection. The Veteran's current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine and low back disorders did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence of chronicity. The VA examiner found no medical basis to support a nexus between current disabilities and active service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disorder and cervical spine disorder were denied. The claim for a TDIU rating was remanded, as less than the maximum benefit was awarded.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected L-1 burst fracture (back disability) was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the General Formula or the IVDS Formula at any point during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's headaches began during service and have continued since then. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of a headache disorder, recurrent headaches since service, and a causal relationship between his present disability and his in-service headaches.

The Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities are rated at the maximum available ratings, while his migraine headaches do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing VA treatment records and the need to consider the Veteran's participation in the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left shoulder arthritis, cervical spine disability, and right shoulder arthritis are granted as they are found to be directly related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral flat foot disability, hearing loss disability, or cervical spine disability (upper back pain) for which service connection is warranted.,Service connection was denied for all three issues due to lack of evidence linking any diagnosed conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple secondary service connection claims for various disabilities, including Hodgkin's lymphoma and its complications. The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the exposure basis of these claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disabilities, and lumbar spine disabilities. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Veteran's neck pain and radiculopathy are being remanded for further development to determine their relationship to his service as a percussionist.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and neck disabilities, but denied reopening of his claim for service connection for a neck disability due to lack of evidence related to it. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other factors linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings were denied. The Board found that the reductions in rating were proper and that the criteria for higher ratings had not been met.