Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran's bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome was found to have manifested during service and is related to service. The cervical spine disability, including arthritis and degenerative disc disease, as well as cervical radiculopathy, are not currently addressed due to the need for a remand.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical myofascial pain syndrome but denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine. The case is now remanded to allow for further consideration of the Veteran's claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability, but finds in favor of service connection for neck disability, headache disability, and disability manifested by numbness of the fingers in both hands due to in-service injury. The claims are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, claustrophobia, and dyshidrotic eczema were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to address the Veteran's claims.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disorders are not related to his active service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and his in-service injury. The VA examiners' opinions were considered more credible than Dr. K.'s opinion.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's cervical radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities is found to be secondary to her service-connected residuals of fracture at C2 with degenerative joint disease, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and special monthly compensation are denied as there is no evidence of a formal or informal claim received prior to December 31, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for an educational assistance benefits rate in excess of 60 percent under the post-9/11 GI Bill is denied as her only qualifying active duty service was less than 18 months and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was not productive of forward flexion to 15 degrees or less, nor did it result in favorable ankylosis. The assigned rating is appropriate as the disability has been stable and does not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracic and cervical spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board determined that a chronic cervical spine disorder was not observed in service or for many years thereafter and is unrelated to service. As such, the claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability has been denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is being remanded for additional development to determine if it is related to his service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder is not etiologically related to an in-service injury, and therefore service connection cannot be granted.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability and granted service connection, finding that there is at least an approximate balance of evidence in favor of the Veteran's claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability and established service connection for left upper extremity radiculopathy. The rating assigned is 30%.

The Board found that a cervical spine disorder was not incurred in service and is not due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability. The Veteran's assertions of current symptoms during service were deemed insufficient for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for multilevel cervical spondylosis and DDD. The low back disability claim is remanded as the VA examiner's opinion was insufficient.