Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities were denied by the Board.,The Veteran was also denied a TDIU prior to May 4, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of left ankle, cervical spine (neck), or back disabilities. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, and his lumbar spine disability was rated as 20 percent disabling based on painful limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current stomach condition or any other service-connected disabilities, and thus cannot grant service connection for these issues.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Proctor Hospital on January 19, 2013 were denied as VA facilities were feasibly available to provide the needed care.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated as 30 percent since April 20, 2009. The appeal for higher ratings remains denied.

The Veteran withdrew all appeals regarding her disability claims prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that service connection for a cervical spine disability is warranted due to the Veteran's TMD.,Service connection for a left shoulder disability and right shoulder disability are not granted as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease, nor any link between current symptoms and service.

The Board has granted service connection for right trapezius cervical strain, finding that it is proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability. Service connection for degenerative disease of the cervical spine was denied.

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for neck injury and headaches have been granted, with a separate rating assigned for the TBI associated with her depressive disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's current neck disability was not incurred in service and did not manifest for many years after separation from service.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident during service and was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right eye disability. As a result, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service-connected cervical sprain with degenerative disc disease resulted in forward flexion of the cervical spine to 15 degrees or less, warranting a 30 percent rating since September 16, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a vocational assessment and adjudicating the right knee sprain claim. The TDIU claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's cervical spine and low back disorders have been granted service connection, with a current evaluation of 40 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board for further action.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar and cervical spine disorders are being remanded for further examination and development as the current opinions do not adequately address his lay statements regarding in-service injuries.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current upper back disorder is not related to her active military service, including any injury or disease incurred during her period of ACDUTRA. The claim for headaches was remanded but remains pending.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders due to incomplete records from National Guard service, need for new VA medical opinions regarding in-service injuries, and other procedural matters.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities make him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU.