Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2017

The Board found no evidence of a link between the Veteran's active service and his arthritis of the neck, finding that the preexisting pain syndrome in the neck was not aggravated by service. The claim for service connection for residuals of a neck injury is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting new examinations to address the etiology of his bilateral knee and cervical spine conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left foot disabilities, as well as his claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability.,No new evidence or changes in law were provided to support reopening of any previously denied claims.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent from July 1, 2009 to March 14, 2013. The claim for service connection of a left eye disability was denied as there is no current diagnosis of glaucoma or other left eye disability. The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for consideration of TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various disabilities, including cervical and lumbar spine conditions and radiculopathy of the lower extremities. The Board has determined that an effective date prior to August 23, 2011 is not warranted for these claims.,The Veteran also sought earlier effective dates for his service-connected disabilities. These requests were denied as well.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and thoracic spine disorders are not related to his active service or a service-connected condition, and therefore denied the claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability with radiculopathy and denied service connection for a neck disability. Service connection was also denied for a skin disorder and left eye disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spine DDD, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome with partial ACL tear are found to have their onset in service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus type II has been withdrawn.,Service connection is denied for peripheral neuropathy of the left leg and foot due to lack of current disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is found to be related to service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The thoracolumbar spine disorder remains unclear as to whether it has been diagnosed or if there is a current disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. No service connection decision was made as the issue was not about a condition related to military service.

The Veteran's neck, upper back, and right shoulder disabilities are being remanded for further development including a VA examination to determine their etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, left knee disability, and neck disability. These conditions are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder, back, and neck disabilities are being remanded for additional development to determine if they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion on whether the Veteran's current back conditions are related to his service or service-connected foot disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional private treatment records from Dr. M.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and initial compensable ratings for cataracts, sterility/infertility, and bilateral hearing loss have been denied. The Veteran does not currently have a diagnosed cervical spine disorder or any other disability that would warrant the requested increased ratings.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of a back disorder (DDD of the lumbar spine) and a cervical spine disorder (DDD of the cervical spine). The evidence now establishes that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and a neck disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service or any service-connected condition. The claim for TDIU prior to May 13, 2011 was also denied.