Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for cervical spine, eye, lumbar spine, right shoulder, and bilateral hearing loss conditions have been denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition related to service.,New evidence received since the most recent denial does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate any of these claims.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia was granted a 20 percent rating prior to August 19, 2016 and denied any increase in rating after that date.,The Veteran's fibromyalgia is currently rated at 40 percent from August 19, 2016.

The Veteran's request to reopen service connection for several conditions, including GERD, was granted. The right heel spur rating is also increased.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine DDD and lumbar spine DJD, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic disability in service or within a presumptive period, and that any current disabilities are not related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the appeal is, therefore, REMANDED. The Veteran must provide information about his Social Security disability benefits and any relevant private medical records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right shoulder, cervical spine, and tension headaches disabilities have been granted. The claim of revision or reversal of the November 1993 rating decision on the basis of CUE has also been granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for cervical spine degenerative arthritis with IVDS was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any time during the appeal period.,An earlier effective date than May 23, 2013, for a 20 percent rating for cervical spine degenerative arthritis with IVDS was also denied due to lack of factual ascertainability.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and/or service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, as well as his claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, are remanded due to new evidence received since the final November 2009 rating decision. The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded with instructions to obtain relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have a bilateral foot, right leg, or left leg disability during his lifetime. The appellant's statements regarding these disabilities are not considered competent evidence as they do not demonstrate medical expertise.,The Veteran was diagnosed with CAD in 1999, which is more than 37 years after his discharge from service. There is no evidence linking the diagnosis to his service or any incident therein.

The Veteran's claim for lumbar spine stenosis was reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claims for cervical spine stenosis and degenerative disc disease were granted, but his claim for vertigo was denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist and cervical spine condition, both secondary to a right shoulder disability. The case is being sent back for additional VA etiology opinions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome and therefore denied service connection for this condition. The cases are remanded to obtain additional service treatment records from the Veteran's reserve service.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a neck disability. The decision found that the Veteran's tinnitus did not begin during active service or be related to an in-service injury or disease.,Service connection was also denied for GERD as it is secondary to alcoholism, which the Board determined was due to the Veteran’s own willful misconduct.

The Veteran's application to reopen their claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder has been granted. The issues of service connection for cervical spine disorder, cervical radiculopathy, and gynecological disorder are also being considered.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims for service connection can be adjudicated on the merits. This includes obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service records and requests for verification of the Veteran's Air Force Reserve service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence, as well as other issues related to his PTSD claim. The VA is instructed to obtain all relevant records, including SSA records, and schedule a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of PTSD and service connection for a cervical spine disorder has been remanded. The TDIU issue is also pending due to its interdependence with the cervical spine disorder claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder and right upper extremity disorder, finding that further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

Service connection for a left ankle disability, asthma, chronic cervical strain (thoracic spine), and tinnitus is denied.,The Veteran's service treatment records do not show any current disabilities. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his in-service complaints or exposure.