Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease was denied. However, she received a separate 20 percent rating for limitation of motion due to left shoulder pain from October 2, 2013, to March 10, 2015.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and his right clavicle fracture with rotator cuff tendonitis is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in either case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of DDD of the lumbar spine, left shoulder traumatic arthritis, and a cervical spine condition are related to his active duty service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at a 30 percent evaluation, which is the highest schedular rating available for this condition. The Board found that her headaches meet the criteria for a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 8100 due to their characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average of once a month over several months.

The Board has determined that the appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence for rating the Veteran's thoracic and lumbar spine disability, as well as issues related to his cervical spine disability and TDIU. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of periods of active service prior to November 2007 and a need for additional examinations to determine if current low back, neck, and knee disabilities are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, and left shoulder. The Veteran's DJD is found to be at least as likely as not attributable to his active duty military service.

The Veteran's death is being reviewed to determine if any service-connected conditions contributed to his cause of death, including exposure to herbicides and use of prescribed medications.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining outstanding service treatment records and an addendum opinion concerning the nature and etiology of his neck disability. The Veteran is seeking service connection for erectile dysfunction and cervical spine disorder, with secondary to a service-connected left wrist causalgia.

The Veteran's cervical spine radiculopathy of the upper extremities was manifested by mild incomplete paralysis from August 9, 2013. The Board has granted a separate 40 percent disability rating for this condition.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for her left knee disabilities and cervical spine disability were denied by the RO in September 2010. The current ratings for these conditions remain unchanged.,No new evidence was presented to reopen the service connection claim, as it is decided on a direct basis.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is reasonably shown to have resulted from his exposure to noise trauma in service. The Board finds that it is reasonably shown that the Veteran's spine disability was incurred in service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea is dismissed as the claim has been granted and there remains no justiciable case or controversy with respect to this claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and thoracic arthritis are not related to his service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, hearing loss, residuals of head trauma, facial scars, neck disability, and low back disability. The PTSD claim was also denied as there is no current disability warranting a rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, thus meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability did not manifest in service and is not attributable to service. The arthritis of the cervical spine was not shown within one year of discharge from service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because the evidence did not establish an in-service stressor. The claims for psychiatric disability other than PTSD, low back disability, and cervical spine disability are currently pending.

The Veteran has withdrawn all remaining issues associated with his appeal, including the issue of entitlement to a higher evaluation for service-connected cervical spine disability.