Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar strain with mild scoliosis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine were denied as there was no evidence to support a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, including degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease, was manifested to a compensable degree within one year of his separation from service. Therefore, presumptive service connection is granted.

The Veteran's initial ratings for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability and spina bifida occulta, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims based on the current medical evidence.

The Veteran's neck disability has been rated at 20 percent since November 3, 2011. The Board found that the criteria for a rating of 20 percent have been met throughout the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the rating of his cervical spine disability, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings for bronchial asthma and arthritis due to trauma of the cervical spine.

The Board has ordered additional development and remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's lumbar spine, cervical spine, right shoulder, and right hip disorders are related to service. The appeal is now REMANDED.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is not service-connected, and his right wrist scar does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claims for additional development and consideration, including to verify his alleged stressors related to PTSD. The claims will be readjudicated in light of all additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for his service-connected cervical spine disability and related left upper extremity radiculopathy is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of recent treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling new VA examinations, and issuing a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for additional disability resulting from VA cervical spine surgery performed in February 2003. The Board has determined that a new VA medical opinion is needed to assess whether the Veteran's right-sided hemiparesis, myoclonus and electrical shock sensations resulted from VA fault or an unforeseeable event.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be rendered in this case, and the appeal is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues, including service connection claims and rating determinations. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable initial rating for tension headaches or for service connection for other conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical and lumbar degenerative joint disease, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to in-service injuries and continuous symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding the aggravation prong of the secondary service connection claim.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of multiple joints, bilateral elbow disability, and bilateral hand disability. The Veteran's claims are also supported by credible evidence showing continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA and private medical records, and providing a VA addendum opinion to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability.

The Board found no evidence of chronic symptoms or disease during service, and the current degenerative changes in the cervical spine are not related to active service. Service connection for these conditions is therefore denied.