Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2017

The Board finds that the Veteran's current cervical spine degenerative disease with radiculopathy began during his active duty service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as he does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and cervical spine osteoarthritis were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied her claims.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection and special monthly compensation based on his cervical spine disability. The current condition was not incurred during or as a result of active service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is currently in the process of being reopened for his claim of service connection for sleep apnea. His cervical spine disability rating remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for clarification of his hearing preference and subsequent scheduling. The issues include rating adjustment, service connection claims, and reopening of previous claims.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted, with the Board finding that his current PTSD is related to his active service. The cervical spine disability, left arm radiculopathy disability, and migraine headache disability claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is caused by or the result of his service-connected lumbosacral strain with residuals, disk herniation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA cervical spine treatment records and procuring a supplemental opinion regarding the Veteran's cervical spine condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including shell fragment wounds and psychiatric disorders, are granted. The Board finds that the Veteran engaged in combat with the enemy and his reported injuries during service are credible.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability, including degenerative disc disease and osteophyte, status post spinal fusion, is related to his period of active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine, low back, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, and right knee disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection. The left knee disabilities are also denied as there was no evidence of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's left shoulder arthritis and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine (neck disability) have been granted service connection. The claim for an increased rating for the neck disability has also been granted, with a current evaluation of 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including ulnar nerve entrapment, knee disabilities, shoulder disability, neck disability, pes planus, foot neuroma, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The reduction in evaluation for DDD of the lumbar spine was also found to be improper.

The Veteran's TBI and cervical spine disabilities are rated at 40 percent, the maximum allowed under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations to assess the severity of his lumbar and cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and service personnel records. The Veteran will also undergo examinations to determine the current severity of his bilateral knee chondromalacia, nature and etiology of any cardiac disability, right shoulder and cervical/lumbar spine disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disabilities, including osteoarthritis and spondylosis of the cervical and lumbar spine, are related to his active service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.