Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for heart disease, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, back disability, and neck disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her cervical spondylosis with degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc disease, status post anterior intervertebral disc fusion C3-6 is being remanded due to the need for a medical examination to assess the frequency of incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and an updated VA examination to reflect his current symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant post-service treatment records and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to address the impact of military service on the Veteran's current conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder is not shown to have manifested in service, arthritis is not shown to have manifested within one year following separation from service, and the more probative evidence of record indicates the disorder is not related to any event during service or caused by his service-connected lumbar disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for left eye conditions, an acquired psychiatric disability, residuals of a right leg injury, and a cervical spine disability. The claims were found not to have been substantiated by new and material evidence.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is currently rated at 30 percent, which adequately compensates for her symptoms and functional impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of shingles, diagnosed as post-herpetic neuralgia over the back and the left posterior area between the 4th and 6th ribs. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is also found to be related to her military service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted a 20 percent rating effective January 7, 2015. The right ankle disability remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a disability rating are being remanded due to incomplete development. The cervical spine disorder claim will be addressed after an examination, while the left knee sprain and fractures of the left foot need additional consideration.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various disabilities, including a left hip disability and related issues. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical records.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including spinal stenosis and myelopathy, is being remanded for further development to address the etiology of his condition. His claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for cervical degenerative disease with osteophytes and stenosis, as well as hand numbness. The Veteran's cervical spine condition was not shown to be related to his active service or a service-connected disability, while the hand numbness did not manifest within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection based on exposure to chemicals and/or environmental hazards in the Southwest Asia theater of operations.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death. The issues on appeal were whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen a claim of residuals of head trauma, and the entitlement to service connection for various disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claims.

The Board has dismissed the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for mild compression fracture of C5 with degenerative changes as a result of treatment received at the VA Medical Center in Sepulveda, California. The Veteran's service-connected osteoporosis with associated cervical endplate pathology is granted an initial 10 percent rating since March 14, 2011.

The Board has remanded the case due to a hearing request and other procedural issues.

The Veteran is currently in receipt of a combined disability rating of 70 percent from February 27, 2013 onward, which meets the criteria for a TDIU. The service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for anemia, a back disorder, and a cervical spine disorder were denied. The Veteran was granted recognition as the helpless child of her spouse prior to attaining age 18.