Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's IBS was increased to a 30 percent rating effective December 21, 2015. His cervical spine disability remains at a 10 percent rating.,The Veteran is not entitled to TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an extension of her delimiting date for educational assistance benefits due to a lack of evidence showing she applied for and was granted such an extension.

The Veteran's back disability is granted service connection, and his GERD claim will be remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's mood disorder did not have its onset during service and is not related to his service-connected low back disability. The evidence does not support a secondary service connection claim for his mood disorder.,There is no medical evidence showing that the Veteran's current neck disorder had an onset during active duty or is otherwise related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, neck, and left shoulder disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The medical evidence does not support a connection between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, and hepatitis C. The lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are considered to be directly related to service based on the evidence provided.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal on the issue of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral pes planus with myofascial syndrome for the period prior to January 9, 2013. The claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with left radiculopathy was denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service or an applicable presumption period and continuity of symptoms after service could not be established.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine and left shoulder disabilities, both of which are found to be incurred in service.,Service connection is granted for cervical spine disability and left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain with intervertebral disc syndrome is currently rated at 40 percent disabling after May 2014, and the cervical spine disability remains at a 20 percent rating. The Veteran does not meet criteria for higher ratings under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hip replacements and DJD of the lumbar and cervical spine, render him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board grants SMC based on the need for aid and assistance.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection for the cervical spine disability, concluding that it is not related to service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings of his service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities was granted, with the effective date set at October 23, 2009.

The Board has determined that the VA Regional Office did not substantially comply with a previous remand and thus, this matter must be returned for full compliance.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, sleep apnea, left carpal tunnel syndrome, a neck disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and verifying National Guard service dates. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered after this development.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and the need for an SOC on the bladder disorder claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine condition and radiculopathy, as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the previously denied claim. The Board also found that the Veteran is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and left arm radiculopathy, finding that there is no evidence to support a direct relationship between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his right forearm disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to October 7, 2015 and no higher rating after that date. Service connection for arthritis of the right shoulder, cervical spine, and lumbosacral spine were also denied as there is no evidence showing these conditions are related to service or developed within one year post-service.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a cervical spine disability that is due to disease or injury in service, or caused or aggravated by a service-connected disease or injury. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is denied.