Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability was withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities. This includes obtaining VA treatment records, arranging for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of these conditions, and considering all evidence in the decision.

The Board has granted service connection for back and neck disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The initial ratings have been assigned.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, right foot, and left shoulder disabilities. The gastrointestinal disability was not found to be incurred in or due to his active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine is directly related to his in-service motor vehicle accident, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to clarify the extent of neurological impairment associated with the condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder and cervical spine disabilities were not related to his active service, as there was no evidence of any such conditions during or within one year after his discharge. The claims for these disabilities are therefore denied.

The Board denied service connection for a right leg disability, to include arthritis of the knee and ankle, as it was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding other issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to her active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability and remanded it. The Veteran's invasive vulvar carcinoma status post excision of external labia bilaterally is currently rated 0 percent, but remains denied as there is no evidence of continued treatment or uncontrolled symptoms.

The Veteran's low back disability was granted service connection. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since December 16, 2004 and in excess of 70 percent from August 22, 2006 through September 15, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her claims, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA medical examination, and readjudicating the issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, translating any identified documents, scheduling a VA audiological examination, and readjudicating the claim for increased evaluation of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability warrants a 30 percent rating from August 21, 2014, based on forward flexion limited to approximately 15 degrees and no separate neurological manifestations.

The Board has determined that additional development is required to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for neck disability and right upper extremity neurological disorder, including obtaining updated medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses for right ear hearing loss, a psychiatric disability (to include PTSD), or any neck disability. The claim for service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The Board will review this evidence and readjudicate his claims.

The Veteran's TBI residuals and cervical spine strain with degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, and intervertebral disc syndrome have been evaluated as denied. The Veteran was not granted any increased ratings for his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability is granted, with the effective date to be determined. The claims for increased ratings of left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are denied prior to July 19, 2012, but granted thereafter. Service connection for cervical spondylosis and stenosis is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. New and material evidence has been submitted for sleep apnea, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and depression.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for a new VA examination.