Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for multiple myeloma, chloracne/skin disability, arthritis, sinusitis, asthma, and hypertension have been denied as there is no competent evidence of a current disability related to service or the exposure basis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations to address the Veteran's cervical spine and knee claims. The PTSD claim is also being remanded as it was reopened but a SOC has not been issued.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's claimed disabilities are aggravated by his service-connected left ankle disability, and to obtain Social Security Administration records potentially relevant to the issues before the Board.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his cervical and thoracic spine disabilities, as well as a separate evaluation for left upper radicular nerve group paralysis, were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, to include as secondary to residuals of a right tibial fracture due to insufficient rationale provided by previous VA examiners and the need for additional evidence.

The Board finds that the Veteran's cervical spine and low back disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examiner provided a thorough rationale for his opinion based on the available evidence of record.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have additional disability due to VA treatment for headaches, bilateral elbow disabilities, or cervical spine disabilities. The claims were denied as there was no evidence of causation.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a cervical spine disability and has granted service connection based on evidence showing that the Veteran's current condition is related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are not service-connected as they are considered to be the result of natural progression post-service, with no evidence linking them directly to his military service.

The Board has determined that cervical dysplasia is not related to service and therefore denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of fibromyalgia, cervical spine, stomach, right hip, right knee, or right ankle disorders. The adjustment disorder is rated at 50% and no higher.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was denied as her radiculopathy of the upper right extremity has been rated at 10 percent, and her cervical spine disability has not warranted a higher rating.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred in service and is unrelated to service.,For the period prior to April 3, 2012, the Veteran's cervical spine disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a rating higher than 20 percent. For the period from April 3, 2012, the Veteran's cervical spine disability meets criteria for a 30 percent evaluation.,For the period prior to April 3, 2012, the Veteran's right arm radicular symptoms did not meet or approximate criteria for a rating higher than 30 percent. For the period from April 3, 2012, the Veteran's right arm radicular symptoms meet criteria for a 50 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and chondromalacia of the right knee, is not service-connected.,There is no evidence of a current skin disease other than pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The effective date of the TDIU award is July 28, 1993.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was granted, and he is now entitled to a 30% disability rating as of March 13, 2013. Prior to that date, he did not meet the criteria for any higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, including degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, was incurred in service. The Board finds reasonable doubt in favor of this claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations to assess the severity of her service-connected knee disability and to determine if she has a current neck disability. The RO will also obtain any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent disabling prior to August 24, 2010.

The Board has determined that further medical examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's cervical spine and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities are proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.