Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2017

The Board finds that the Veteran's neck disability is not related to service or a service-connected disability and therefore denies the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his authorized representative expressing a desire to withdraw all pending claims before the Board.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 27, 2013 for the grant of service connection for left upper extremity radiculopathy secondary to cervical spine degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities have not met the criteria for higher disability evaluations under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's right leg weakness is not service connected, as the current evidence does not support a causal relationship between his in-service fall and his current condition. His personality disorder was misdiagnosed in service, but there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that his anxiety preexisted service or was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and his right shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent. Both conditions are not entitled to a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA hospital records from Fort Hood and providing an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its inextricability with the service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected conditions and their secondary effects, as well as the need for additional medical records and examinations. The case is being remanded to obtain these records and conduct further evaluations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations and medical records. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right shoulder disability, lumbar strain, neck disability, and right ankle disability are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his hypertension, heart disease, and cervical spine disorder with upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and denied service connection. The cervical spine disorder is related to post-service injuries, and thus service connection was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The lumbar spine condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and there was no evidence of cervical or hemorrhoid conditions related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in a need for higher level of care, including aid and attendance. The Board granted the claim for SMC based on the need for such care.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disorder and cervical spine disorder. The criteria for service connection have been met, with the conditions being deemed as directly related to active military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all issues related to his spine, joints, and skin conditions is dismissed due to withdrawal. The Board grants service connection for PTSD with depression.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability warrants a rating of 40 percent prior to July 12, 2016 and 60 percent since then.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and fibromyalgia were not caused by his service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have service connection for her claimed lumbar spine, cervical spine, right knee, or left knee disorders due to lack of evidence showing a current disability related to active service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a current disability related to her service or a service-connected condition. The Veteran's neck symptoms are more likely due to her carpal tunnel syndrome and other unrelated conditions.