Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spondylosis, claimed as nerve damage to the neck and extremities, is being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his cervical spine disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, and lumbar spine disability. The claims are also inextricably intertwined with his claim for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to insufficient evidence regarding his employability despite having service-connected disabilities. The case is being returned for an updated VA examination and consideration of factors such as education, work experience, and the impact of service-connected conditions on employment.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea effective June 1, 2005. The issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to August 30, 2012 is remanded due to inadequate opinions regarding the combined effect of all service-connected disabilities on employability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is being remanded for a medical opinion to determine if it is related to his service-connected left hemiparesis of the upper and lower extremity, and whether it was aggravated by that condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability and chronic headaches has been granted. The Board found that the evidence is sufficient to reopen his claims, and that his current conditions are related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, respiratory disorders (to include bronchial asthma and sarcoidosis), lumbar arthritis with disc disease, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and TDIU were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to determine the current nature and etiology of his claimed back and neck disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine, cervical spine, bilateral hip and leg disability with arthritis, and acquired psychiatric disability including depression are not related to service or an incident of service origin.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is not related to her military service and denied her claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has restored the previously assigned ratings for lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease and cervical spine paravertebral myositis, finding that the reductions were improper due to a lack of evidence showing improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and neck disabilities are not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability or due to an in-service motorcycle accident. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the case needs to be remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability and thoracolumbar spine disability, which are claimed as secondary to service-connected right wrist and shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine arthritis resulted in slight limitation of motion prior to January 7, 2000. The Board granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her claims, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of periods of active duty, ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA. The Veteran's left knee, cervical spine, lumbar spine, and left ankle conditions are all under review for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's service and his current back, cervical spine, or shoulder conditions. The Veteran's claimed disabilities are not presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities were evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating, as he could still flex his lumbar spine to 90 degrees without additional limitation due to pain or repetitive movement.