Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was granted, with a rating of 30 percent effective November 4, 2009. The kidney condition claim is denied as there is no evidence that the benign cyst may be related to ionizing radiation exposure during service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for cervical spine and upper extremity radiculopathy has been denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The current rating of 30 percent for the cervical spine disability remains unchanged.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service connection for osteoarthritis of multiple joints/polyarthritis, a cervical spine disability, or a bilateral foot disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion from an orthopedic specialist regarding the nature and etiology of any back disability. The Veteran's lay statements will be considered in determining whether his current back disability is related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is service-connected, as it was incurred during his active military service. The claims for cervical spine and bilateral knee conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is capable of engaging in sedentary employment.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability and found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not warrant ratings in excess of those assigned.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for cervical radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for osteopenia, cervical spine disorder, eye disorders (including cataracts and glaucoma), cholesterol disorder, and back disorder are denied as there is no medical evidence establishing a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches and bruxism/ TMJ disorder manifested during his military service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

Throughout the rating period on appeal, the Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbosacral spine disabilities have not met the criteria for a higher evaluation under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board granted an increased rating of 30 percent for cervical strain with degenerative changes, effective September 21, 2009. The Veteran's service-connected conditions were found to be new and material.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine does not warrant a grant of service connection, but has granted entitlement to a TDIU based on his combined rating of 60% and his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the AOJ for additional development, including consideration of new medical evidence and a neurological examination. The TDIU claim will also be adjudicated.

The Veteran's hypertension is caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.,The Veteran's sleep apnea manifested during military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical facet syndrome with chronic neck pain is related to his in-service injury, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining an adequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected disabilities and his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues, including initial compensable rating for GERD and increased ratings for knee and cervical spine conditions. The reduction in the disability rating from 20 to 0 percent for left knee instability effective July 17, 2014 was found proper.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or earlier effective dates.