Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, hearing loss, head trauma residuals, facial scars, neck disability, and low back disability. The appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, neck disability, bilateral hearing loss, headaches, and acquired psychiatric disability. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to his in-service neck injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) of the left hand and right finger, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to military service.,There is no direct evidence showing a link between the Veteran's current cervical spine disability and his in-service injury. The VA examiner did not find any nexus.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability with discectomy and fusion has not been manifested by limitation of forward flexion to 15 degrees or less, nor favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine. The criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent have not been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to an increased rating for his cervical spine disorder and entitlement to a TDIU, as well as his claims for service connection for knee disability and increased rating for schizophrenia. The decision was not based on CUE.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is not related to his service, and denied his claim for service connection. The psychiatric disorder was also denied as there was no evidence linking it to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disability and TMJ, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran now receives a 20% rating for his cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of November 27, 2002. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to a compensable rating (10%) for PTSD prior to October 1, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical spine disability is being remanded to obtain a VA examination and further development of the record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his cervical spine disability, bilateral shoulder disabilities, and headaches.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of his claims for service connection and increased ratings.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the submission of new evidence since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC). The case will be returned for further review and consideration.

The Veteran's right shoulder, bilateral arm, neck and back disabilities are service connected. The Veteran is granted a higher evaluation for his right shoulder disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis and related radiculopathy have been granted service connection, with a rating of 40 percent since April 23, 2008.

The Board finds that the Veteran's neck disability is etiologically related to her active duty service, and grants service connection for a neck disability based on aggravation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's back disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development to obtain his complete service personnel records and in-service mental health treatment records, as well as confirm the reported stressors. A VA examination is also needed to determine whether an acquired psychiatric disorder is related to military service and if a neck disability is related to service.