Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current spine disorders did not manifest during service or within a year thereafter, and are not related to any in-service event. As such, service connection for these disabilities is denied.

The Board has determined that a VA examination and opinion are necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, chronic maxillary sinusitis with chronic adenoiditis, and TBI residuals are all found to have their onset during service and are therefore granted service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus and cervical spine disability, finding that there is a relationship between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder was granted service connection and rated at 20 percent effective November 14, 2014.,From December 4, 2015, the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is rated at 40 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected residual neck scar status-post laminectomy and discectomy of the cervical spine is dismissed as there are no remaining allegations of errors in the determination being appealed.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus is rated at the maximum allowed. Service connection for major depressive disorder and cervical spine disability are granted, with hearing loss not reopened due to lack of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and right arm numbness are not related to his active service.,Both conditions were not present during service, and there is no evidence of chronicity post-service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and neck disabilities are related to his in-service injury, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims due to issues with communication and scheduling of VA examinations. The Veteran's contact information needs to be verified, and she should provide any additional private treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back, cervical spine, and bilateral foot disabilities are not etiologically related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental opinion regarding whether the Veteran's cervical spine disability is caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The appeal will be returned to the Board after this additional development.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a right shoulder and arm disability, a cervical spine disability, and a back disability. The Veteran's new evidence is sufficient to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is granted, as it was incurred in active service.,Service connection is also granted for right C-7 radiculopathy, which is secondary to his now service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for atrophy of the right testicle is denied as there is no current disability. For cervical and lumbar spine strain, additional development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has granted a rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran also received a separate 30 percent rating for moderate incomplete paralysis of the left upper extremity due to radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's shoulder disability. The issues of service connection for degenerative arthritis, right shoulder, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for carpal tunnel syndrome in the right hand are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of the record.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal with respect to all claims.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability to include degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine had its onset in service and is granted as service connected. The issues regarding his knee disabilities are remanded for further examination.