Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative due to the assignment of a 100 percent rating for tetraplegia and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for left knee disability was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. Service connection claims for right knee and back disabilities were also denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected left knee condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spines, as well as for obtaining any relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's cervical spine and left shoulder disorders, including obtaining more recent treatment records and arranging for examinations to address the issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary due to the need for SSA records, VA examinations, and further analysis of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule him for a video hearing. The issues on appeal include service connection claims and reopening of previous claims.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of a chronic nerve condition secondary to the degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and thus service connection cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are directly related to his military service, specifically an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion during combat duty in Iraq. As such, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and additional development is needed, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records from VA and private providers.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is June 21, 2010. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cervical strain with radiculitis and major depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be causally linked to his periods of active duty service and ACDUTRA, resulting in the grant of service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's upper back and neck injury, headaches, stomach condition, and left shoulder disability are all service-connected. The effective date is July 18, 2000.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for a sinus disorder and chest pain. The remaining claims are being remanded to the AOJ.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for mechanical cervical strain and traumatic brain injury with post-traumatic migraine headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence received after a final decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to reassess the severity of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim of whether the January 1978 rating decision denying service connection for a back condition was based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) has not been adjudicated.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for left knee arthritis with scar or left knee instability.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his time as a Marine jet mechanic, and grants service connection for this condition.