Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine complaints are related to aging and degeneration, rather than an injury sustained during service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal concerning the issues of entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for headaches, a neck disability, a head injury, and a right elbow disability, and for entitlement to an increased rating for a disability of little finger on the right hand.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling appropriate examinations, and providing opinions regarding the nature and likely etiology of his cervical spine, knee, and eye disorders.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial disability ratings were denied. The Veteran was not granted higher ratings for sleep apnea or TBI, and his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the claims of service connection and rating for his disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, right elbow epicondylitis, recurrent muscle strain of the lumbar spine, residuals of a right ankle strain, residuals of a left ankle strain, and residuals of a cervical spine injury.

The Veteran was granted increased ratings for his cervical spine disability and bilateral shoulder and ankle disabilities. The right and left elbow disabilities received a combined rating of 40 percent since June 13, 2014.,Effective October 15, 2014, the Veteran's neck disability was rated at 30 percent, his bilateral ankle disabilities were each rated at 20 percent, and his right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities were each rated at 30 percent. The ratings for his bilateral elbow and hand disabilities remained at 10 percent.,The Veteran received a TDIU effective October 15, 2014.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, effective May 2, 2016. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period prior to May 2, 2016, and since then, it does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board finds that a cervical spine disorder, including as secondary to service-connected recurrent dislocation of the left shoulder, did not manifest in service or for many years thereafter and is not casually related to, or aggravated by, active service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right knee degenerative arthritis is before the Board.,The Veteran seeks service connection for a cervical spine disability and a left knee disability, to include as secondary to his right knee disability. He also seeks service connection for a right ankle disability and bilateral foot disabilities. Finally, he seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is before the Board. The Veteran contends that his current psychiatric symptoms are related to his time in service.,The Veteran seeks service connection for a cervical spine disability and a left knee disability, to include as secondary to his right knee disability. He also seeks service connection for a right ankle disability and bilateral foot disabilities. Finally, he seeks an increased rating for his right knee degenerative arthritis.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is before the Board. The Veteran contends that his current psychiatric symptoms are related to his time in service.,The Veteran seeks service connection for a cervical spine disability and a left knee disability, to include as secondary to his right knee disability. He also seeks service connection for a right ankle disability and bilateral foot disabilities. Finally, he seeks an increased rating for his right knee degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development to determine the extent of her service-connected disabilities and their impact on her ability to work.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that there is not enough evidence to support the Veteran's claim for service connection of his cervical spine DJD, and thus the claim is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back and neck disabilities were not caused or aggravated by his period of ACDUTRA in May 1990, as there was no indication of aggravation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his cervical spine disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during any portion of the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses for most of his claimed conditions and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. Service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine, degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine, and left arm radiculopathy. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a new VA examination to address the complex medical issues.

The Veteran's TBI and chronic headaches due to head trauma have been granted service connection. The remaining issues are pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's hysterectomy was not due to any in-service event or condition, and thus denied her claim for service connection.