Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating prior to August 16, 2011, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was denied by the Board. The appeal is based on his complaints of pain and stiffness without evidence of limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a cervical spine disorder has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claimed back, neck, and upper extremities disabilities are not shown to have been incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board finds that the weight of the evidence is against a finding that any current disability was caused by an in-service injury.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an examination to assess his ability to work due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disorders are currently rated at the minimum non-compensable level due to lack of limitation of motion. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with cervical canal stenosis and left shoulder myofascial pain is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and addressing the claims of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for his cervical spine disability is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records and provide a copy of the July 1, 2004 orthopedic examination. The Veteran was previously granted a 30% rating effective July 30, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee, neck, and low back disabilities are not related to service or a service-connected condition. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions were not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disorder including arthritis of the lumbar spine. The cervical spine and PTSD claims are being remanded.,The Veteran asserts that his current cervical spine disorder is related to an injury in service, similar to his low back disorder.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the claims of cervical spine disability, right ulnar neuropathy, and residuals of a right hand injury have been dismissed as she has withdrawn her appeal for these issues.

The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment is denied as he does not meet the eligibility criteria due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability has been productive of functional loss due to pain throughout the appeal period, but it has not met the criteria for a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder is not related to service or his service-connected lumbar strain, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims of increased disability ratings for various service-connected disabilities, as well as the associated TDIU claim and several reopened claims, were denied due to her failure without good cause to report for necessary VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and for further development, including a psychiatric opinion regarding service connection.

The Board denied service connection for neck pain and right knee disorder, but granted left knee patellofemoral syndrome with a noncompensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical, left shoulder, right shoulder, and low back disabilities had their onset during his active service in Vietnam. The evidence supports a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, effective April 6, 2016.