Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral pes planus, and a bilateral knee disability. The remaining issues are REMANDED for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a heart disorder claimed as due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's spouse was added as his dependent to his VA disability compensation award effective October 1, 2004.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, tinnitus, and chronic insomnia. Service connection was denied for cervical spine disability and sleep apnea.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, but has remanded his claims for cervical spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, right knee instability, and left knee chondromalacia patella.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder and cervical spine disabilities were denied as there was no evidence of a chronic disability in or caused by service. The Board found that the Veteran did not have an in-service injury, and his current conditions are more likely due to age-related wear and tear rather than service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is now rated at 40% from May 27, 2011, and his cervical spine disability is rated at 30% from September 2, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carotid artery stenosis and neck disability are not related to service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims for TDIU and increased rating for psychophysiological nervous system reaction are being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of diabetes mellitus being incurred in or aggravated by service, and the cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

Service connection for dermatitis, left cubital tunnel syndrome, right hip disability, left hip disability, right shoulder disability, bilateral thumb disability, right first toe disability, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, left varicocele, and testicle atrophy has been denied.,The Veteran's service connection claims for obstructive sleep apnea, nephrolithiasis with hematuria, right knee iliotibial band syndrome and patellofemoral pain syndrome, allergic rhinitis, right plantar fasciitis, hyperhidrosis, hemorrhoids, and generalized headaches have been remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims are remanded for additional examinations and evaluations to determine the severity of his service-connected cervical spine, low back, GERD, and headaches. The effective dates for the grants of service connection will be determined based on when a request to reopen was received.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability and remanded the issues of service connection for gastritis, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, low back disability, left lower extremity neuropathy, and right lower extremity neuropathy.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, as well as his denials of acid reflux and erectile dysfunction. The claims will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a comprehensive VA medical opinion regarding whether the appellant has a disorder that is a form or manifestation of spina bifida, other than spina bifida occulta. The examiner must review all relevant medical records and MRI study images.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not service-connected, and his claim for SMC was denied as he does not meet the criteria for aid and attendance or permanent bedridden status.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from tending to his daily activities, thus he does not require regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability, cervical spine osteoarthritis, left knee degenerative joint disease, and genitourinary disorder (kidney disease). The decision also noted that the claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was denied.

The Board has decided that there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's back, left hand, and neck disorders are related to his service-connected right shoulder disorder. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings for these conditions.