Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board is remanding the claim of hypertension for further development, while deciding the cervical spine/neck disorder claim. The Veteran's neck disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by his active military service and may not be presumed to have been.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to his service-connected low back disability, and readjudicating the claim.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective March 19, 2013. The increased evaluation was granted as the evidence showed that prior to this date, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and thus service connection is denied. The remaining claims are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 8, 2006 for the award of TDIU benefits. The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety is rated at 30 percent since January 14, 2013. His low back disability is rated at 20 percent since November 25, 2009, and his neck disability is also rated at 20 percent since that date.

The Veteran's service-connected C6-C7 herniated nucleus pulposus, C3-C4 and C4-C5 bulging discs, and cervical myositis is manifested by increased pain in the cervical area; forward flexion limited to 25 degrees with objective evidence of pain beginning at 5 degrees; extension limited to 20 degrees with objective evidence of pain beginning at 5 degrees; less movement than normal and pain on movement after repetitive use; localized tenderness; and pain to palpation for joints.,The Veteran's low back disorder is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's heart disorder is presumed to be secondary to his service-connected sarcoidosis. The Board grants reopening of the claim for a heart disorder and remands the issue for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and occupational experience from September 22, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities were denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is at least partly related to his service-connected right knee disability and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of his claims, including a VA compensation examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a reduction in ratings for cervical spine and upper extremity disabilities. The Veteran's claims are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of his disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and PTSD have been evaluated, but the evidence does not support ratings in excess of those currently assigned.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is related to his in-service low back injuries, and thus service connection for this condition is granted. The issue of secondary service connection for a cervical spine disorder remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine disability, cardiovascular disability, and thyroid disability. The disabilities were found not to be related to active duty or ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and denied service connection for neck, bilateral shoulder, and right elbow disabilities. Service connection was not established for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to injuries sustained during service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's occipital headaches are likely secondary to his service-connected cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and thus grants service connection for this condition.