Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected left upper extremity neuropathy is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 8517 for incomplete paralysis of the minor nerve.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities are not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, diagnosed as thoracic and lumbar spine strain, and cervical spine disability, diagnosed as cervical spine strain, are related to her service.,The Board also found that the Veteran's right knee disability is related to her service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck and right shoulder disabilities are not related to her service, and therefore denied her claims for service connection.

The case is being remanded for additional development to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical spine condition, and right shoulder condition. The VA examiners are asked to consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding his in-service noise exposure and motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is found to be related to his military service and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for the residuals of a left shoulder injury and a cervical spine injury. The appellant's injuries were incurred in a motor vehicle accident, but she was not on active duty or reserve status at the time.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for a jaw disability and right shoulder disability. The new evidence received is considered material as it relates to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a medical examination and issuing an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine condition.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee and foot disabilities due to his withdrawal. The remaining claims have been evaluated, but no service connection is granted as there is insufficient evidence linking any current disability to service.

The Board found no evidence of a hip, cervical, or lumbar spine disability in service and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection as there was insufficient medical nexus to link any current disabilities to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to September 8, 2016 was granted. The effective date of the TDIU is set at January 31, 2011 as this is when the Veteran first became eligible for a TDIU on a schedular basis.

The Board has granted service connection for right ulnar nerve palsy, myositis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The claim to reopen service connection for a nervous condition was also granted.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for scoliosis and cervical strain with occipital neuralgia and headaches are incomplete, and additional development is required to properly assess these claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant (Veteran) withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made by the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck disability, including degenerative arthritis, was caused by or incurred in service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's headaches are rated at 50 percent since the beginning of the appeal period, and he is granted a TDIU prior to September 11, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD and cervical spondylosis was denied. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated 30 percent disabling, while his cervical spondylosis has not been assigned a rating.