Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to January 7, 2008. Effective January 7, 2008, the right shoulder disability alone met the schedular criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's cervical strain was previously rated at 10 percent, but the RO increased it to 20 percent effective April 18, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current cervical or thoracolumbar spine disabilities, and therefore service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability has been granted, with the assigned rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's lumbar spine, cervical spine, and bilateral knee disorders are not deemed to be the result of VA carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill. The Board finds that the additional disabilities were not caused by VA.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to outstanding VA treatment records and scheduling of examinations for his cervical spine, right ankle, and right eye disorders. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of cervical spine disability and finds that it is related to active service. The Veteran's current condition is considered at least as likely as not caused by his parachute jump school experience during military service.

The Veteran's current tinnitus had its onset within a year of separation from service, and the Board finds that it is service-connected. The neck disability claim will be remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and requests clarification on whether a videoconference or Travel Board hearing is desired.

The Veteran's nerve radiculopathy of the right arm associated with degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine was initially rated as 10 percent disabling prior to July 1, 2009. From September 19, 2012 to January 25, 2016, it was rated as 20 percent disabling. Since then, a higher rating has not been granted.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's traumatic arthritis of the cervical spine, finding that favorable ankylosis of the cervical spine meets the criteria for this rating.

The Veteran's cervical neck strain and mixed tension and migraine headaches have been granted higher disability ratings, while the status post lumbar strain remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral disc disease and cervical myelopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a new examination to assess the Veteran's cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed joint disabilities, including cervical spine, bilateral shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees, are not service-connected as they do not have a direct link to his active duty service.

The Veteran's right and left knee chondromalacia are each rated at 10 percent, with no higher ratings granted.,Degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent. The cervical spine condition remains rated at 10 percent.,Propriety of separate ratings for radiculopathy in both upper and lower extremities has been addressed as part of the initial rating determinations.

The Veteran's neck disability was initially rated as noncompensable prior to February 26, 2010. Since then, the disability has been rated at 20 percent, which is in line with his current range of motion and symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical and lumbar spine disorder due to inadequate examination report, and new medical opinions are required.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, lumbar strain, and cervical strain. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his bilateral knee disabilities and TDIU are also addressed.