Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his psychiatric disability (PTSD), hypertension, and service connection for low back and cervical spine disabilities. The decision also addressed a claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to May 9, 2014, but did not address the specific claim for TDIU solely due to PTSD.

The Veteran does not have a current disability to include TMJ, nasal, or right wrist disorders related to service. The Board finds that VA has fulfilled the duties to notify and assist in this case.,VA has also found no evidence of current lumbar spine or cervical spine disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine, gastrointestinal, and acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service due to aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The cervical spondylosis was rated at 20 percent, the lumbar spine disability at 10 percent, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity associated with the lumbar spine disability at 20 percent. His combined rating is 40 percent.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating prior to March 2, 2015, and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent from that date for arthritis of the cervical spine was denied. However, a subsequent decision granted a 10% disability rating effective March 2, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left hemidiaphragm elevation with restrictive lung disease and sleep apnea, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the claim for TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative lumbar spine syndrome, myostatic thoracic syndrome and myotendinitic degenerative cervical syndrome. The Veteran's current back disability is considered to have developed during his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in the Statement of the Case, and service connection for a cervical spine disorder is being returned to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neck and low back disabilities. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine disability will be reconsidered based on the newly obtained evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder, left finger, and cervical spine disabilities are secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, finding that the Veteran's disabilities are related to his active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence did not establish a direct link to service.

The Board found no causal nexus between the Veteran's current cervical spine disability and her military service, including a 1988 motor vehicle accident. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine spondylosis with muscle spasm does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral foot scars was denied, as the scars are superficial and not painful. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection and increased rating remain pending.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability and remanded the claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for the left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his chronic adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood has been granted, effective from June 27, 2011. The other issues have not been resolved.

The Board has found that there may be outstanding SSA records relevant to the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, and thus remanded for further development including seeking these records.