Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need of regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disability and back disability. The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is REMANDED.

The Veteran's appeal involves issues related to the reduction in evaluation of his cervical spine disability, a higher rating for depressive disorder, and TDIU. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as sleep apnea, seizure disorder, acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression), left leg disability, and right ear hearing loss have been denied due to lack of evidence establishing service connection.,Service connection has not been established for any of the conditions listed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including bilateral hip disorder, lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, and left knee disorder, have been denied as secondary to his service-connected right knee osteoarthritis. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for varicose veins.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or IVDS. The extension of a temporary total rating was also denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain with degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 20% since June 16, 2017.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine strain is currently rated at 40% since June 16, 2017.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability and finds that new evidence received since the September 2009 denial is sufficient to reopen the claim. The Veteran experienced symptoms of cervical spine pain and stiffness during service, which he reported not reporting due to concerns about delayed separation. Post-service treatment records show a diagnosis of early degenerative changes in C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7. The Board finds that the Veteran's account of in-service onset is credible and his current disability is related to his service.

The Veteran's overall disability rating is properly calculated using the Combined Ratings Table, resulting in a total combined rating of 50 percent. The claim for an increased rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease prior to May 5, 2011, and from May 5, 2011, was denied as there were no findings warranting higher ratings under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions and development are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine and cervical spine disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical scars, finding that the Veteran's in-service LEEP surgery led to current cervical scarring. The other claims of service connection for residuals of cervical dysplasia, miscarriage, and depression are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA medical examination, and readjudicating the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various disabilities, including right hand, right shoulder, left shoulder, left wrist, neck, and back disabilities, were denied as the evidence did not show a current disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing cervical spine degenerative disc disease was permanently aggravated by service, and his hiatal hernia had onset during service. Therefore, both conditions are granted as service-connected.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for various conditions, but denied them on the merits.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for the Veteran's cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy, either as directly related to his military service or secondary to his service-connected cold injury residuals. The preponderance of the evidence does not support these claims.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder. The examiner is required to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's current disability is related to his military service, particularly as it relates to an incident where he attempted to rescue a pilot from a crashed aircraft aboard the U.S.S. Midway.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that there is no evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and his in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of new evidence, including a VA medical opinion addressing whether the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability is not the cause of his current neck disability.,There is no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran has residuals from a head concussion at any point during the appeal period.