Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for neck and jaw disabilities, finding new and material evidence. The claim for service connection for a neck disability is granted as it relates to an in-service injury from a helicopter accident resulting in spinal cord trauma. The claim for service connection for a jaw disability remains pending due to lack of current evidence.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was received by VA on January 3, 2013. The effective date of the grant of TDIU is set at this date as there is no evidence showing that it was factually ascertainable that TDIU was warranted in the year prior to the date of claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a supplemental opinion from the VA examiner regarding the Veteran's neck disability and its relation to his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current spinal condition is more likely due to aging and post-service injuries, rather than service connection.

The Veteran's lumbar spinal stenosis and cervical spine disability are rated at 20 percent each, effective from the date of service connection. The TDIU issue remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if he has any service-connected disabilities or if they are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a stomach disorder, increased rating for right ankle disability, and initial ratings for degenerative arthritis of the shoulders and knees were denied. The reduction in evaluation for chronic lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease was also found to be improper.

The Veteran's appeal on the issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 60 percent for Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome and whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen claims of service connection for a neck disability and left ovarian/pelvic pain has been withdrawn. The remaining appeals are addressed below.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing and issuance of a statement of the case for certain claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and considering all evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA spine examination to determine the severity of any neurological abnormalities related to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed cervical spine and lumbar paravertebral myositis disabilities are not service-connected, as they do not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine disability and associated residuals is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's right chronic Achilles tendonitis is rated at 10 percent, the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5271. Service connection for cervical spine arthritis and left upper extremity radiculopathy (due to cervical spine disability) are granted as they are related to service-connected conditions. Migraine headaches are also service connected. Thoracic outlet syndrome is not service connected due to lack of a nexus. Somatic symptom disorder and antisocial personality disorder are service connected, while borderline personality disorder is not.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and TMJ. The claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine stenosis was also denied as there is no evidence that the current neck disability warrants such a higher rating.

The Veteran's cervical strain is not service connected as it does not have a direct link to her active duty service. The Board finds that the Veteran has no current diagnosis for bilateral ankle disability, and thus cannot establish service connection for this issue.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are granted as service-connected.,Service connection is also granted for the right and left shoulder disabilities, but their disposition remains unknown.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current cervical spine disability or lumbar spine disability. The issue of service connection for bilateral hip disability was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, lumbar/thoracic spine disability, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease, and right foot plantar fasciitis were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating in any of these cases.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,Service connection for GERD has been granted based on evidence showing it began during service.