Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability but granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need to obtain social security records and translate foreign language documents.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, which includes spondylosis and a history of discectomy/fusion, is currently rated at 20 percent. The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s forward flexion was limited to 15 degrees or less with functional impairment due to pain on motion. As such, the claim for an increased rating has been granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities and whether they are related to service. The case is therefore being REMANDED for further action.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on housebound status was denied as he does not meet the criteria for a single permanent disability rated at 100% disabling, and his disabilities do not result in him being substantially confined to his home.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and neurological impairment of the left upper extremity are not service-connected as they are attributed to known diagnoses, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine and thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are related to his in-service combat injury, and service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine, shoulders, knees, and ankles have been denied. The Veteran was granted a compensable rating for his left foot status post fracture of the third toe.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination. The issues include service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders, as well as special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches is denied as there is no evidence of a headache disorder during the pendency of his claim. The claims for increased ratings and service connection for other conditions are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied service connection for low back, neck, and right knee disabilities due to lack of credible evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and clarification of opinions regarding whether the Veteran's cervical spine disability is secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an addendum VA examination and issuance of a statement of the case.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor may such disabilities be presumed to have been so incurred. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of treatment and examination, as well as attempting to obtain SSA disability determinations and workers' compensation records. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is being evaluated in relation to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion and procuring post-service treatment records.

The Board has found no evidence of an in-service incurrence or a nexus between the Veteran's current neck, left hand, low back, and right shoulder disabilities and his military service. As such, the claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board granted service connection and assigned a 10 percent rating for cholinergic urticaria, effective from the date of the decision. The ratings for right knee musculoligamentous strain, right shoulder strain (major extremity), and right ankle sprain remain unchanged.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches are rated at 50 percent disabling. The Board granted a higher initial rating for his headaches, but noted that the condition presents an exceptional or unusual disability picture and referred the matter to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular evaluation.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has not resulted in unfavorable ankylosis, and therefore does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.