Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2017

The reduction of the rating for cervical spine disability from 40 percent to 20 percent, effective September 1, 2013 was proper due to CUE in the June 2012 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine disabilities are attributable to a fall he experienced during service in March 1974.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining supplemental nexus opinions regarding whether the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if his bilateral cervical metastasis is related to his military service and presumed herbicide exposure.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's cervical spine and bilateral upper extremity neurologic disabilities are caused or aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to September 22, 2009 and 30 percent from that date. The Board found the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations have been granted. He is now entitled to a 10 percent evaluation for his left knee degenerative arthritis, effective from April 1, 2006.

The Board has received notification of the appellant's request to withdraw this appeal, and as such, the appeal is dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine and low back disabilities, finding that the current conditions are not related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability and headaches, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and his in-service fall during INACDUTRA.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected osteoporosis of the cervical spine is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran does not have a bilateral shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, or chronic anaphylactic reaction to bee sting due to service. His claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to an injury during active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, its incurrence or aggravation during such service may not be presumed, and it is not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability.

The Board found no evidence of a neck injury or disease during service and concluded that the current cervical spine disability is not causally related to service. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for low back strain remains pending.

The Veteran's left leg numbness is not a residual or symptom of his service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support granting service connection for left leg numbness.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are found to be service-connected, with the cervical spine disability also being linked to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a wound to the back of the head, lumbosacral spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, sleep apnea, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and pes planus of the right foot was granted. The effective date is April 11, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records, the need for a new examination concerning his cervical spine disability, and the need for additional development of his left knee claim.