Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 20 percent from April 18, 2007, to October 21, 2011. The evidence did not show that the range of motion was limited to 15 degrees or less during this period.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine spondylosis is not related to service and denied service connection. The right ear hearing loss claim was remanded for additional examination, but no new rating decision has been issued yet.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to February 19, 2009 was granted. The RO has already granted the Veteran a 40% rating for his lumbar spine disability effective from April 16, 2008.

The Board has remanded the claims for appropriate medical clarification due to deficiencies in the VA examinations and opinions provided.

The Veteran's neck disability is rated at 60 percent, effective February 26, 2002. The Board finds that the current rating of 60 percent adequately reflects the severity of his cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine, right knee, left knee, left shoulder, and right hip disabilities are at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by altered body mechanics related to her service-connected residuals of a stress fracture of the left inferior pubis ramus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records, including from Mather VA Medical Center. A new VA examination is also required.

The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rate of special monthly compensation based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and evaluations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including arthritis of the cervical spine and vertigo. The initial rating claim for dysesthesia of the face and scalp associated with occipital neuralgia will also be addressed.

The Board has determined that the appellant's discharge from military service is a bar to VA benefits due to his guilty plea and conviction for willfully disobeying a lawful command of a superior officer, resulting in a bad conduct discharge. The appellant was not insane at the time of the offense.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease has been manifested by painful motion, but not to the extent that it warrants a higher rating under VA's rating criteria.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, diagnosed as cervical degenerative disc disease with left upper extremity radiculopathy, is related to his service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spondylosis, claimed as neck pain with painful neck nodule, was granted by the AMC in January 2015. The effective date is July 26, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his intent to pursue an increase in the ratings for his thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran is granted service connection for migraines and cervical spine disability, but denied service connection for left elbow disability. Service connection was established for migraines due to continuity of symptoms since service. The Board found no credible evidence linking the current cervical spine or left elbow disabilities to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's cervical spine condition is being evaluated in light of her service history and any potential secondary effects from other conditions.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities have been rated at the maximum available benefit, with a 40 percent rating for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc disease and a 30 percent rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc disease.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy has been rated at the maximum available benefit, with a 20 percent rating. The left lower extremity radiculopathy has also been rated at the maximum available benefit, with a 20 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine condition, bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression and anxiety), a seizure disorder, and migraine headaches. The effective date of any future grant of service connection would be determined based on when the application was filed.

The Board has ordered a remand for the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability, bursitis, and cervical spine osteoarthritis. The case will be returned to the AOJ for additional development.