Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any cervical spine disorder and right shoulder disorder, including whether they are related to service. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims on appeal can be considered, including obtaining a VA examination and determining whether there is evidence of exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability has been rated at 20 percent since October 1, 2004 and increased to 40 percent effective March 30, 2012. The cervical spine disability was also rated at 30 percent as of February 22, 2012.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability and found that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his active duty. The issue of severance of service connection for PTSD was also addressed, but as it pertains to a different claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination to determine the etiology of the claimed neck disability and whether it is proximately due or permanently aggravated by service-connected low back and knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder, left shoulder, cerebrovascular accident (stroke), myocardial infarction (cardiac arrest), lumbar spine injury, and degenerative joint disease of cervical and thoracic spine are not related to service or any incident thereof. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression and alcoholism is considered as the primary cause for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disabilities did not have onset during service or are otherwise related to service. The right knee disability is considered a form of arthritis and thus is covered by presumptive service connection provisions for chronic diseases.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disabilities, and to address whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and cervical spine disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for a low back disorder was previously denied due to preexisting condition aggravation, and no new evidence has been provided to reopen this claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA examinations and clarifying the nature of the Appellant's National Guard service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including small bowel resection, pelvic inflammatory disease, major depressive disorder, and other conditions, rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to her education and occupational experience.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development to determine if his cervical spine disability and right hand numbness are related to service or service-connected conditions.

The appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew it prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of bilateral cervical radiculopathy is causally related to his service-connected cervical strain, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected post traumatic headaches and residuals of fracture of the cervical spine were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a higher rating during the relevant periods.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder is not causally or etiologically related to his military service, including a reported incident of being thrown down some stairs in 1967. The evidence does not support a finding that the condition began during service or within one year after discharge.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back strain is related to active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for this disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities and his service-connected knee and ankle disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back, left leg, left hip, and neck disabilities as there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a TBI was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability that is a residual of a TBI in service. The claims for back and neck disabilities, and hypertension secondary to PTSD were not adjudicated due to the need for further development.