Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet his burden of proof to establish service connection for a right shoulder disorder, left lower extremity neurologic disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities have been found to prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since November 9, 2010. A TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and sensory deficits in both upper extremities, are found to preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine, lumbar spine, left knee, and leg numbness disorders are not related to service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability was less likely than not incurred in or caused by service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total rating based on surgical treatment of his service-connected cervical spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including clarification from the Veteran regarding his return date to work and time period for post-operative convalescence.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, a left knee disability, and bilateral upper extremity neuropathy have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and throat disability with GERD were not incurred in service or due to a service-connected condition. The Veteran was employed during the period from January 5, 2009 to May 22, 2010, preventing him from receiving TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to an in-service head injury. The claims of entitlement to service connection for CTS of the left hand and right finger are remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and is not otherwise directly related to his period of active duty. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that it was proximately caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine and right shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's low back and cervical spine disabilities have been granted increased initial ratings of 10 percent each, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has ordered additional development of the record to determine if the Veteran currently has a chronic back or neck disability, and whether any such disabilities are related to his service. The case is remanded for further action.

The Veteran's tension headaches have been rated at least 30 percent disabling throughout the appeal period. The Board finds that an initial rating of at least 30 percent is warranted for her chronic tension headaches.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and neck disabilities are not related to his military service.,The Veteran's trigeminal neuralgia is also not linked to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is etiologically related to service, granting her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and his TBI residuals are rated at 40 percent for headaches. The Board has granted a TDIU rating based on the combined service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted a 60 percent rating effective May 19, 2014. The left shoulder tendon tear issue remains on appeal.

The case is being returned to the AOJ for obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and further development. The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spinal disorder and shoulder disorder are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.