Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is found to be directly related to his service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The issue of a higher rating for lumbar spine disability remains on appeal.

The Veteran is granted service connection for PTSD, cervical spine condition, and lumbar spine condition secondary to his service-connected residuals of a right ankle fracture. His CAD remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and a neck disability were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty. The Board found that the Veteran did not have sleep apnea or a neck disability due to his service, and his current diagnoses were more likely related to post-service factors.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a cervical spine disorder. The Veteran's request to reopen these claims is addressed in this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his active service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent since January 22, 2009. The effective date for the award of TDIU is set to July 20, 2009.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been rated at 20 percent since August 7, 2014. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period of time.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right foot disability and for service connection for a cervical spine disability. The April 7, 1987 decision is final.

The Veteran's initial claims for higher ratings for his knee disabilities were denied. However, he was granted temporary total evaluations due to right and left total knee replacements.,His claims of service connection for a left ankle disability and a right ankle disability have been reopened.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted a 20 percent rating effective September 1, 2015. The Veteran's periodic limb movement disorder was granted an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's cervical myositis and C5-6 degenerative disc disease are being remanded for further examination to determine if they were aggravated by his service-connected lumbar strain.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical degenerative disc disease, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been withdrawn. The claim of an increased disability rating for right anterior leg tibialis muscle hernia has also been withdrawn.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorders are being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including COPD and back disorders, have rendered her unable to maintain substantially gainful employment consistent with her education and occupational background.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed conditions, including his claimed lumbar and cervical spine disorders, bilateral hand and shoulder conditions, bilateral knee and hip disorders, are at least as likely as not related to service. The appeal is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for VA treatment records, including from Dr. Andjuar at the San Juan VAMC.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection in various issues, including left hand nerve damage, sleep apnea, right hip disability, gastrointestinal disorder, neck disability, and low back disability. The appeals were not granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of active, chronic Lyme disease warranting a 100% rating and denied an increased rating for patellofemoral syndrome of both knees.

The Veteran's hypertension, cervical dysplasia status post LEEP process, and service-connected scars from a breast reduction are all granted. The Veteran does not have current residuals of the in-service breast reduction.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and radiculopathy. The case will be returned for further adjudication.