Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including the submission of additional evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of his hands is not related to service or secondary to his diabetes mellitus. The cervical spine disability was not shown to be directly related to service, and there was no evidence of arthritis in the neck. As a result, both claims were denied.

The Veteran's current cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome disabilities did not have onset in service or within one year of service.,There is no evidence that the Veteran's left A-C joint disorder had its onset during service. The Board finds that these conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a cervical spine disability due to incomplete development and lack of explanation during her hearing. The case is now pending for further proceedings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is being remanded due to the need to obtain medical records regarding surgical procedures performed on his cervical and lumbar spine.

The Board found no evidence of a service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, concluding that the current conditions are not related to any in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, with degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy, developed in service and is considered to be directly related to his military service.

The Board denied reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claims for cervical spine and right knee disabilities were denied as there was no evidence of a service-connected disability. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability was also denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor actually occurred.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, and the Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical records and to schedule the Veteran for an examination to assess the severity of her service-connected conditions. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her total vaginal hysterectomy and multiple spine conditions, are found to be disabling enough to prevent her from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and neck disorders are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and for a higher rating for his scar with postoperative keloids of the neck and right cheek. The Veteran's cervical spine disability was not found to be related to service or secondary to his service-connected scars, while his scar was rated appropriately based on its current characteristics.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are service-connected.,The Board also found that the Veteran's right arm tremors are related to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent from March 29, 2007 to July 29, 2009 and increased to 30 percent from February 26, 2010. Her lumbar spine disability was initially rated at 10 percent during the same period.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back and cervical spine disorders are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service discharge. The VA examiner opined that the current diagnoses are less likely caused by in-service events.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine disorders pre-existed his second period of active service, and there was no clear and unmistakable evidence to show they were aggravated by such service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.