Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 30 percent prior to May 6, 2011. On and after May 6, 2011, the rating for his cervical spine disability has been denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and for opinions regarding whether the Veteran's blackouts and anxiety are related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting cervical spine injury was not aggravated by his April 2008 period of ACDUTRA, and thus denied service connection for a cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, diagnosed as cervical spine sprain and spondylosis, is etiologically related to his in-service injury and to his service-connected left shoulder disability. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the claim due to an inadequate July 2014 VA examination report.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine and sacroiliac joint disabilities are etiologically related to her service, specifically a motor vehicle accident during active duty in 1983. As such, these conditions have been granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his cervical spine disability was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that a rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's cervical spine disability is warranted, effective December 2, 2015. The Veteran also received a separate rating of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be rendered regarding the Veteran's claims for higher ratings and TDIU. Specifically, new VA examinations are needed to assess the current nature and severity of his service-connected low back strain and cervical strain.

The Board has denied reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, cervical spine, head injury, and residuals of a bruise to the left arm due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining complete VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess the current severity of his disabilities. The Veteran must also be scheduled for a new examination before service connection can be decided on the merits for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the knees, a lumbar spine condition, a cervical spine condition, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy (arms, shoulders, and fingers), and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.,The Veteran's conditions are related to her time in military service.

The Veteran's claims for rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spine disorder, and diverticulitis have been withdrawn. The remaining claims of entitlement to increased rating for PUD, service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, and service connection for psychiatric disorders are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 40% rating prior to January 10, 2014. Service connection for cervical spine and bilateral upper extremity weakness were denied.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently evaluated at 10 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher evaluation.,There is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for a cervical spine disorder.

The Veteran seeks service connection for lumbosacral and cervical conditions, which he claims as a back condition. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence on whether his current back disability is related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a neck disability, finding no current diagnosed disability and insufficient evidence to support a secondary service connection based on her hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability and peripheral neuropathy, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise that these conditions are related to service. The claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease remains denied.

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 Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's statements regarding his in-service injuries, as well as treatment records from the 1980s onwards. A new medical opinion is required.