Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's atrial fibrillation is proximately due to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder. The issues of hypertension and cervical spine/shoulder disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service. The claim for secondary service connection for cervical spine disability was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's recurrent skin rash and cervical spine disorder are related to his service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a cervical spine disorder that he claims is related to his service-connected lumbar degenerative joint disease. The Board has determined that further development, including a VA examination, is needed before the claim can be decided.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are not related to his active service, thus denying his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's arthritis of the cervical spine is currently rated at 10 percent prior to January 13, 2012. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for this time period.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and chronic sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's current condition likely began during military service. Service connection was also granted for a cervical spine disorder, with the onset occurring post-service due to a work-related injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is service-connected, and new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for left knee, low back, head injury residuals, and bilateral foot condition (cold injury residuals).

The Veteran's service connection claims for left foot drop with partial peroneal palsy, low back disability, and right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome have been withdrawn. The Veteran has a current neck disability that was likely incurred during service, and her service connection claim for a left knee disability is granted.,Prior to January 12, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD disability rating is increased to 70 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff and labrum tear, degenerative joint disease of the left elbow, and bulging annulus fibrosus at C5-C6 and C6-C7 of the cervical spine. The remaining claims have been remanded.

The Veteran's sinusitis, bronchitis, and tinea pedis skin disorders are all found to be service-connected. The bilateral foot hallux valgus and pes planus conditions were not found to be service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and opinion to consider the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded to allow for additional development of her medical records, examinations, and consideration of the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected cervical spine disability. The case will be returned to the Board after the examination.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected chronic low back strain.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable at the time of his death, and therefore, he was not entitled to a TDIU for accrued benefits purposes.

The Veteran does not have glaucoma and his cataracts are age-related. The cramps in the neck, left shoulder disorder, and migraine headaches are not related to service or a service-connected disability.,Service connection for glaucoma and cataracts/pseudophakia is denied as there is no evidence of causation or aggravation by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy, cervical strain, and lumbosacral strain with arthropathy, necessitate the need for an automobile to accommodate his mobility limitations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder was granted with an effective date of August 17, 2000. The skin rash issue is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.