Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was found to not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to September 13, 2011. From that date forward, it did not meet the criteria for a 20 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for asthma/sinusitis, cervical spine and lumbar spine disorders, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The Veteran's claims were not supported by sufficient evidence to establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the current disabilities of the knees, low back, and neck are unrelated to an injury, disease, or event in service.

The Board denied service connection for neck, right shoulder, and back disabilities as they were not incurred or aggravated during periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

The Board found no evidence of a neck disability during active federal service, and the current neck disability is not shown to be related to service-connected back disability. Therefore, service connection for the neck disability is denied.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for examinations by a neurologist and an orthopedist, as requested in previous remands. The Veteran's claims of service connection for head trauma residuals and cervical spine disorder will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's current degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is related to his military service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied all claims of service connection for various musculoskeletal disorders, finding that the Veteran did not have a current disability to which his complaints could be attributed and that any symptoms he experienced were already contemplated in the existing ratings for his service-connected peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his cervical spine disability and to assess the current severity of his service-connected lumbosacral strain with spondylosis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing as requested by his representative. The issues of service connection are still pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a combined rating of 80 percent, qualifying him for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including headaches, spine conditions, and hand/tendon disorders. The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and an opinion on the impact of these disabilities on employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed cervical spine, thoracic or lumbar spine, and acquired psychiatric disorders are not related to service. The preponderance of evidence is against her claims.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative changes and cervical spine disability have been rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, and he is not entitled to a higher evaluation. The Board has also found that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of August 28, 2007 for a 20% rating for traumatic arthritis of the cervical spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is related to his in-service neck injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted as accrued benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected cervical disc disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, including any additional functional loss due to flare-ups.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. He will be provided with the option of rescheduling a hearing in accordance with his request.

The Board granted a rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's lumbar strain, effective August 17, 2012. The cervical spine disability was rated at 20 percent and remains unchanged.

The Veteran's tinnitus, hearing loss, right and left knee disability, right and left ankle disability, and a left foot disability are all found to be related to service. The initial rating for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is granted.