Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran's combined disability rating was 70 percent since October 1996, meeting the criteria for an additional allowance of DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1311(a)(2).

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service records and medical records related to the appellant's claims. The appellant is also asked to provide names and addresses of any private healthcare providers who have treated her.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for a new examination due to the lack of recent VA examination and possible worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination to determine if his service-connected back and right knee braces tend to wear or tear his clothing, which could affect his eligibility for an annual clothing allowance.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spondylosis and headaches, with the initial rating issue being addressed.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding diabetes mellitus, cervical arthritis, and injury to the anus.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for an increased rating for cervical spine disability and service connection for sleep apnea. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability may be related to his service, including heavy lifting and intensive exercising during active duty. The case is being remanded for a VA examination and medical opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, and left wrist fracture disabilities are service-connected. The skin disorder of the hands is not currently service-connected.

The claims of service connection for a low back disability, cervical spine disability, left hip bursitis, right hip bursitis, right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have all been denied. The Veteran's statements regarding the onset of his hip disabilities are inconsistent with his in-service medical history.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical polyps, to include chronic residuals thereof, finding no current disability manifested by these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion from the August 2011 examiner.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable rating were denied. The Board found that the Veteran had not appealed the initial grant of service connection, but his claim was reopened due to new evidence submitted in November 2009.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims for service connection can be decided.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine and right hip disabilities did not have their onset in active service or are related to service. The claims for service connection were therefore denied.

The Board found no evidence of chronic disorders in service or within one year post-service, and the preponderance of medical evidence does not support a nexus between current disabilities and service. The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum medical opinion to consider whether the Veteran's cervical spine disability was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The current appeal is pending and requires further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service records and private treatment records, as well as providing a new VA examination. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated after all actions are completed.

The Board has vacated the February 2015 decision denying service connection for a cervical spine disability and a lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's current cervical spine disability is not shown to be related to his active duty, as there was no evidence of scoliosis in service and it did not manifest until many years after discharge. Service connection cannot be granted on a direct basis without medical evidence linking the condition to service.