Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical and thoracolumbar spine strain disabilities are due to his active service in Iraq, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable initial rating for cervical spine arthritis and service connection for left elbow tendonitis was denied. The Board found that there is no current evidence of a left elbow disability, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and prostate cancer claim are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and providing an opinion regarding whether any cervical or thoracolumbar spine disabilities had their onset in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder, right shoulder, and cervical spine disabilities are not related to his service.,Therefore, the claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all of the remaining issues on appeal, including service connection claims and a claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for Dupuytren's contracture of the right hand.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar and cervical spine conditions were not incurred in service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and left ankle disabilities did not manifest during active duty or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. The claims for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability (neck numbness), and left arm numbness are also denied as they do not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical strain is service-connected, but his left and right shoulder disabilities are not. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete VA treatment records and potential hospital records from 'Triple A' Army Hospital or Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed lumbar spine, headache, cervical spine, and acquired psychiatric disabilities are not service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including radiculopathy of the lower extremities, right carpal tunnel syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, and a cervical spine disorder. The decision also addressed his claim for PTSD based on fear of hostile military activity due to his Gulf War service.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete record, specifically a missing Form HF-57 related to an in-service injury. The Veteran's claims for service connection are now pending and will be reviewed again after the missing document is located.

The Veteran's cervical spine and left shoulder disabilities have been rated at the minimum levels allowed by law. The VA has determined that neither condition warrants a higher rating based on current medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's service connection claims for low back, neck, right shoulder, and bilateral hip disabilities are pending.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was granted effective November 25, 2009, as it was factually ascertainable that he met the criteria for this benefit at that time.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to outstanding evidentiary development, including obtaining treatment records and providing medical opinions.

The Board has determined that there is evidence of cervical spine arthritis in service, which satisfies the criteria for reconsidering the prior denial of service connection. The Veteran's psychiatric disorder was initially claimed as depression and memory loss but the claim has been broadened to include other psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure all relevant evidence is considered in the decision on appeal. This includes obtaining updated VA treatment records, seeking SSA records, and obtaining addendum opinions from VA examiners.