Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus are related to service, with hypertension being secondary to his service-connected high blood pressure. The cervical spine disorder is also found to be related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine, right shoulder, and right elbow disabilities were not incurred in service. The symptoms of degenerative arthritis were not chronic in service or manifested within one year of separation.

The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that the Veteran has current headaches or neck disability, and therefore denies both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities were found to not warrant ratings in excess of 20 percent. The coronary artery disease was found to warrant a rating of 100 percent prior to November 21, 2016.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to her service-connected disabilities, which include a cervical spinal cord injury with no feeling in bilateral upper extremities. As such, she qualifies for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of cervical spine disability, low back disability, and hypertension due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claims can be fully adjudicated, including obtaining updated medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cervical spine and mental health disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as the TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The new and material evidence claim is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disorders are related to service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a cervical spine disorder and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral knee disabilities are not attributable to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease resulting in current disability.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development. The case will be returned to the Board only if full compliance with this decision is achieved.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and a back/cervical spine disability have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease, and the current conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claimed hip, spine, and polyneuropathy disabilities are not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's right shoulder impairment and cervical spondylosis with degenerative changes have been rated, but the right shoulder rating is less than the maximum under applicable criteria.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar strain and a left knee condition, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder), left knee disability, right knee disability, and lumbar spine disability. The evidence supports that these conditions began in active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed back and neck disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for the issue of tinnitus. Service connection is denied for left arm disability, cervical radiculopathy, lower extremity radiculopathy/sciatica, bilateral hip disability, right ear hearing loss, skin disability, and asthma.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, and cervical spondylosis as these conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.