Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability was denied. However, he received separate ratings of 30 percent and 20 percent for neuropathy in the right and left upper extremities associated with his cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches, cervical spine disability, and chronic fatigue syndrome are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been remanded for further development.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for IVDS of the cervical spine from April 23, 2013. Prior to this date, the Veteran was rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a cervical spine disability, granted a 10 percent rating for the low back disability from May 4, 2006 to February 23, 2011, and a 20 percent rating since then, and denied service connection for tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral eye disorder, cervical spine disorder (secondary to service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine), right knee disorder (secondary to service-connected left knee scar), and acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found no direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining information about the Veteran's Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability were not found to be related to service or any in-service injury. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his active duty service and have denied all of his claims.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spondylosis, C4-5, status post diskectomy with fusion. Service connection was denied for a left hip disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete examination reports and additional development is required.

The Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder and psychiatric disorder were denied as new and material evidence was submitted but the conditions are not presumed to have been incurred in service. The Veteran's claim for helicobacter pylori infection is granted, while his duodenal ulcer rating remains unchanged.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for polyps in the colon, nose and throat were denied as there is no competent evidence of a current disability or a relationship to service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including associated neurological manifestations, has not resulted in an impairment warranting a rating higher than the currently assigned 20 percent.

The Veteran's cervical cancer advanced to stage 1B and required a radical hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy due to the delay in diagnosis and treatment by VA medical staff. The Board found that this additional disability was caused by error in judgment on the part of VA.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a cervical spine disorder. The Board has determined that additional medical records and an examination are needed to properly adjudicate the claim.

The Board found that the appellant's additional disabilities, including cervical spine radiculopathy and psychiatric disorders, were not caused by VA carelessness or negligence. The surgeries performed did not result in these conditions.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, characterized by chronic strain and degenerative changes, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board has granted a separate rating of 30 percent for radiculopathy of the left arm.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies in the record and specific questions regarding the nature and likely etiology of the claimed cervical spine, lumbar spine, and right elbow disorders.