Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and cervical spine spondylosis are currently rated at 20 percent each, but the evidence does not support a higher rating.,Separate evaluations for associated neurological impairment have also been considered.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to missing documents and the need for new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's gynecological disability, specifically cervical fibroids.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals on all issues, including service connection for a left hip disability and increased ratings for various joints and hypertension. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent since July 14, 2010. Prior to that date, the disability was rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder, back, and neck disabilities did not have onset during service or were caused by active service. As such, these claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his neck condition and low back disability. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disorder, and left shoulder disorder are service-connected. The Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical degenerative disc disease renders him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to July 17, 2013.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of lumbar spine, cervical spine, right hip, right knee, and right shoulder disabilities. The claims are granted as these conditions have existed continuously since separation from service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck disorder, diagnosed as cervical spine degenerative changes, is not service connected. The opinion provided by a VA examiner indicated that the current condition is less likely than not caused or aggravated by the service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to failure to comply with previous remand directives.

The Board found that the Veteran's right hand carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical spine condition did not have onset in service or were otherwise related to service.,Service connection was denied for both conditions as there is no evidence of a direct relationship between these disabilities and active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to issue a supplemental statement of the case after reducing his disability rating for cervical spine degenerative joint disease. The appeal remains on hold until this issue is addressed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection, SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status, and NSC pension benefits due to lack of qualifying wartime service.

The Veteran's initial rating for cervical spine spondylosis was granted at 10 percent prior to August 4, 2017 and increased to 20 percent thereafter. The current effective date is not specified.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for neck, right shoulder, and left shoulder disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been productive of painful motion throughout the appeal period, warranting an initial rating of at least 10 percent effective November 1, 2010.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his spine and knee disabilities.