Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's tinnitus, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability are all found to be related to service. The Board grants these claims.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for cervical spine DJD with chronic strain and his TDIU claim are both being remanded due to the need to obtain additional evidence, including SSA records.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus has been dismissed as the Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeal.

The Board has ordered the VA to adjudicate claims for service connection for a neck disability and sinusitis, as these are inextricably intertwined with the Veteran's TDIU claim. The case is also remanded for further development of the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to a June 2014 VA examiner's opinion not providing sufficient information on the relationship between his current disabilities and military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of posttraumatic stress disorder and radiculopathy of the left arm as they were withdrawn by the Veteran. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical spine disability, and skin condition of the left lower extremity are denied.

The Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the highest schedular rating of 50 percent, effective September 22, 2009. The claim for an earlier effective date for sciatic and left peroneal and tibial nerve involvement is dismissed as service connection was already granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine and hypertension diagnoses were not caused or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.,Service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any neck disability, as well as whether it is related to service. Additionally, updated VA treatment records are required from the VA Northern California Health Care System since November 2014.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for a new VA examination due to inadequate rationale in the November 2011 VA examination and the possibility of outstanding additional records relevant to the current appeal. The Veteran's file must be reviewed, and he must be scheduled for VA spine and peripheral nerves examinations.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current gynecological disorder, including uterine fibroids, cervical polyps, and possible adenomyosis, is not etiologically related to her active military service. The Veteran had an in-service manifestation of dysfunctional uterine bleeding but does not have a current diagnosis of endometriosis.

The Veteran's tinnitus and cervical spine spondylosis have been granted service connection, with the tinnitus having its onset in service. The initial rating for cervical spine disability is set at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder and cervical spine disorder have been denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative in conjunction with the Veteran, and therefore all appeals are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and spine disorder are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his complete service treatment records and VA treatment records, verifying any periods of active duty for training, scheduling a VA examination to assess the etiology of his blackouts with frequent loss of consciousness, and scheduling an appropriate VA examination to evaluate his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his cervical spine disability and lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's neck disability was rated at 10 percent from January 25, 2011 to October 15, 2014 and at 30 percent thereafter. The appeal is granted for the higher rating.