Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination to assess the severity of her degenerative disc diseases of the cervical and lumbar spine.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The reductions in disability ratings from 60 percent to 40 percent for lumbar spine DJD and from 60 percent to 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, were proper as they resulted in reduction of compensation payments.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, resulting in a grant of SMC based on this need.

The Board found no evidence of a current neck or low back disability that is related to service, and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's cervical spine DJD and tinnitus were denied higher initial ratings.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his back and cervical spine conditions, require regular aid and attendance of another person. As a result, the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance are met.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for notification regarding unavailable records and the need for new opinions on the Veteran's neck and back disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of those related to urinary incontinence and residuals of TBI. The remaining conditions are found to be directly related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions and missing records.

The Board found no evidence of a neck injury or chronic cervical spine disease during service, and the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder is not etiologically related to his military service. The claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for TBI, chronic eye disorder, cervical spine DJD, and bilateral rotator cuff impingement with AC joint DJD have all been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar and cervical strains have not met the criteria for a higher rating. The PTSD has been rated appropriately, with no total occupational and social impairment prior to July 2, 2016, but with some impairment thereafter. The postoperative inguinal hernia does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee, right carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical spine conditions are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the service connection claims for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities. The Veteran's degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar and cervical spine are found to be at least as likely as not related to in-service injuries, with the onset occurring after separation from service.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability manifested by diarrhea is granted service connection. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and back/neck disabilities due to presumed exposure to herbicides is denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted a 60 percent rating effective September 2, 2015. His sarcoidosis was also granted service connection with a 10 percent rating effective September 2, 2015.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the Appellant, and no jurisdiction remains to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine disability. The case is being REMANDED for further development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of lumbar degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, and cervical degenerative disc disease are related to his active duty service. The Board finds that these conditions were incurred in service.