Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including updated employment and educational history, VA treatment records, and a comprehensive examination to determine the severity of her service-connected disabilities and their impact on her employability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a neck disability is being remanded due to his failure to report to the scheduled VA examination. He will be given another opportunity to provide evidence and undergo an additional VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle disability and an increased rating for his cervical spine disability. The Veteran was not shown to have current right ankle disability, and no current chronic cervical spine disability was found. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his cervical spine disability was granted effective September 5, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an SOC regarding service connection for cubital tunnel syndrome and/or carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, as well as an increased rating for mood disorder.

The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including securing updated VA treatment records and arranging a new examination for service connection of residuals of concussion.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, along with associated radiculopathy, rendered him unemployable prior to September 25, 2012. The Board has determined that the claim should be referred for extra-schedular consideration.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability was not incurred in or due to her active duty service, including an alleged in-service motor vehicle accident. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and a neck disability. The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on the issues of right shoulder strain, left shoulder strain, right knee degenerative joint disease, left knee degenerative joint disease, and irritable bowel syndrome are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Board hearing at the appropriate RO.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further VA examination of her cervical spine disorder. The issues regarding initial ratings are inextricably intertwined and will be addressed together.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a spine disorder, which he asserts was caused by an in-service fall and heavy lifting. The case is being remanded to attempt to locate the Veteran's service treatment records at a Philadelphia warehouse and obtain his unit history records from the First Battalion Ninth Marines, First Marine Division.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a cervical spine condition and tinnitus. Specifically, VA treatment records should be obtained, as well as any private treatment records the Veteran may have. The Veteran will also undergo a VA examination to determine if his current neck disability is related to his time in active duty service. An addendum opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's tinnitus will also be provided.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical disc displacement with myelopathy, status post discectomy C3-4 was denied as his forward flexion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fibromyalgia, which is claimed as pain affecting multiple joints including hips, knees, shoulders, and the cervical spine, is etiologically related to service in the Persian Gulf War. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is found to be service-connected as it began during active duty and was aggravated by an in-service accident. The Veteran's sleep apnea claim is remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil with metastasis to the right cervical lymph nodes is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to his military service. His renal insufficiency is also not service-connected as secondary to his treatment for tonsillar cancer, as there is no direct service connection established.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing and issuance of an SOC for certain claims.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine DJD and cervical spondylosis effective June 26, 2007. The Veteran is also entitled to separate disability ratings for bilateral upper extremity and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, neurogenic bladder, and impairment of sphincter control effective December 11, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues, including an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for idiopathic cardiomyopathy with CAD and atrial fibrillation, service connection for umbilical hernia, thyroidectomy, cervical disorder, vertigo, varicose veins, erectile dysfunction, and a skin disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder/arm, right calf, and cervical spine disabilities. The decision also addressed a claim for an increased rating for post-operative right ankle residuals and a request for extension of a temporary total rating based on surgical or other treatment necessitating convalescence.