Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing a VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities of back, neck, right knee, or left knee for which service connection can be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's service-connected status post cervical spine C1-C2 posterior surgery for chiari malformation, status post craniotomy has not resulted in unfavorable or favorable ankylosis. The disability is rated as 30 percent disabling under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal concerning the issues of entitlement to service connection for a throat disability, bilateral hearing loss, a right hand disability, headaches, a neck disability, and a low back disability.

The Board denied reopening of service connection for a low back disorder in April 2006, finding no new evidence to establish a link between the current condition and service.,The Board also denied reopening of service connection for a cervical spine disorder in April 2006, finding no new evidence to establish a link between the current condition and service.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative changes were initially rated as noncompensable (0 percent) and later increased to 10 percent effective January 4, 2006. The Board found that the disability warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to May 17, 2008.

The Veteran's urinary incontinence is found to be aggravated by his service-connected low back disability, and the cervical spine disability is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability. Service connection for both conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting another VA examination. The Veteran asserts that his current neck disability may be related to exposure to toxins at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining private records for the Veteran's hearing loss and scheduling a VA examination to determine if his hypertension and back/neck disorders are related to service. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of reopening his service connection for degenerative changes of the cervical spine, degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine, and COPD with fibrothorax of the left lung due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 1, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, chronic cervical strain disorder, and anthracosis of the lungs. The Veteran's claims for a right knee disorder and bilateral hip disorders are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA opinion regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and an addendum opinion addressing the appellant's claims under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have GERD or a neck disability that is etiologically related to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, prior to February 11, 2008 and since May 1, 2008, more nearly approximates the functional equivalent of forward flexion of 15 degrees or less.

The Veteran does not have a cervical spine disability that is attributable to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint and disc disease of the cervical spine, is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability. As a result, the appeal for secondary service connection is granted.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is causally related to, or aggravated by, an event, injury, or disease in service. The same applies to his lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing due to her inability to attend the previously scheduled hearing. The case will be processed as though the request for a hearing had been withdrawn.