Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the appellant did not serve during a period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and therefore cannot establish veteran status. As such, service connection is denied for all claimed disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, but further development is needed as the Veteran has not been afforded a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes. The claims of service connection for cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities are denied as there is no evidence to support the presence of these conditions during or after active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the spine and peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease, precluded him from obtaining and maintaining any form of gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience. The Board granted an extraschedular TDIU effective February 25, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of any currently diagnosed low back disability. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The cervical spine disability was not rated higher than 60 percent, the psychiatric disability prior to May 15, 2014, was not rated higher than 30 percent, and from that date onwards, it was not rated higher than 70 percent. Bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for advanced osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, and is satisfied with his current disability compensation.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal, stating he is satisfied with the benefits he was receiving.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened and granted. The evidence shows that his current hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure.,Service connection was established for a cervical spine disorder, with the onset likely occurring during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment notes and scheduling a VA peripheral nerves examination to determine if her cervical spine disability results in cervical radiculopathy. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, right hip disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no current disabilities or evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations and consideration of his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis are related to his military service, including a fall from a helicopter during combat in Vietnam. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has found that the Veteran fractured his cervical spine in service, and therefore granted service connection for this condition. The claim of a higher rating for panic disorder is also granted.

The Veteran's cervical disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with radiation to both shoulders is etiologically related to his active duty service and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development and a VA examination to determine if his current cervical spine condition is related to his in-service injuries, including a diagnosed herniated disc.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine disability and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to her military service.