Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened, and the Board found new and material evidence to support this claim. The remaining issues of cervical strain, low back disorder, stomach disorder, and leg cramps are still pending.

The Board has denied service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine and arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or ankylosis of the cervical spine, and there were no incapacitating episodes during the past 12 months.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability, but denied the claim on the merits. The evidence does not establish that the current cervical spine disability is related to active service.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to various disabilities, including hearing loss, elbow and knee conditions, spine disorders, foot problems, and a scar. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Board has reviewed the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, but due to mixed results on some issues, a clear disposition could not be determined.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cervical spine strain and compression fracture of the lumbar spine, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The separate evaluation for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity warrants no more than a 20 percent rating.

The Board finds that additional development is necessary to determine the current severity of the Veteran's left shoulder condition, as well as his service connection claims for cervical spine disability, bilateral pes planus, plantar fasciitis of the right foot, and sinusitis. The Veteran also needs a VA examination to address whether any current foot disorders are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities, including chest pain, bilateral knee pain, and neck pain, are not related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the inadequacy of an October 2010 VA examination. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining another VA examination and considering any additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degeneration and dismissed the appeal of PTSD as the Veteran withdrew his claim for an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any spine disorder(s) that may be present.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, claimed as secondary to his service-connected lower back disability, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gynecological disorders, including ovarian and cervical cysts and abnormal bleeding, are not related to her active service. The breast disorder claim is also denied as there is no evidence of a current breast disability during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the Veteran's current lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, including their etiology. A new VA examination by a rheumatologist is required.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted as secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis.,A 30 percent evaluation is granted for the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The effective date of this rating decision is not specified.,The Veteran's asthma is denied, with no higher than a 10 percent evaluation being granted.,A 30 percent evaluation is granted for the Veteran's muscle tension headaches.,A 10 percent evaluation is granted for each of the Veteran's elbow tendonitis conditions.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is denied and remains at its current 0 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a disability manifested by impaired immune system, trachea/heart positional shift, cervical spine disability, depression, OSA, and bronchitis was denied. The Board found no evidence of an impairment in the immune system or any other claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.