Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current neck disability and any in-service event.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chest contusion and neck disorder are likely related to his active service, granting service connection for these conditions.,Service connection is granted for residuals of a chest contusion and degenerative disease of the cervical spine (neck).

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for service-connected headaches, effective October 7, 2015. The Veteran's headaches have been manifested by characteristic prostrating attacks averaging once per month since that date.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, including those for increased ratings and service connection claims.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is not related to his military service, including a neck injury sustained in 1961. The Board found that there was no evidence of chronic or recurrent symptoms during or after service.

The Veteran's current cervical spine degenerative disk disease and spondylosis is related to service. The claims for increased ratings for the shoulders are granted.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn as to the issue of entitlement to a neck disorder or degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with radiculopathy. The Board finds that the evidence supports service connection for neurological impairment of the bilateral upper extremities, including neuropathy, radiculopathy and carpel tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including a VA examination to assess the severity and etiology of his neck disability and right knee condition. Additionally, an increased rating for PTSD will be considered.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU was denied due to the lack of evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids is granted. The claims for service connection for a right foot disability and neck disability are denied, as well as the initial rating claims for low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left foot plantar fasciitis, and TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and bilateral L5-S1 radiculopathy, but denied service connection for cervical spine muscle spasms, left upper extremity radiculopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative changes is related to service and he is granted service connection.,His sinusitis is rated at 50 percent, with a separate 10 percent rating for occasional vertigo.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a lumbar spine condition and granted a 30 percent rating effective from April 16, 2003. The Veteran's cervical spine condition is also service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear and neck disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and ensuring the claims file is complete.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records from specific time periods and employment records.

The Board has granted service connection for a head injury to include concussion and cerebellar/spinocerebellar degeneration, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine (claimed as neck/spine injury), and lower back/thoracolumbar spine injury.

The Veteran's headaches are related to his service-connected cervical DDD, and the Board has granted secondary service connection for this condition.

The case is being remanded for additional development to obtain service treatment records and verify the Veteran's dates of active duty, as well as VA medical records. The claims will be readjudicated after this information is obtained.

The Board found that the Veteran's current neck disorder and radiculopathy in upper extremities are not related to his period of service, including an injury during service. The claims for service connection were denied.