Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to his active service, and the Board finds that service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is granted. The issue of a higher rating for lumbar spinal stenosis remains pending.

The Veteran's bilateral wrist disability, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), is service-connected as it developed due to her extensive typing duties during active military service. The cervical spine and upper extremity disorders are also service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of new evidence, including a VHA opinion. The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability and whether it is secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, diagnosed as cervical radiculopathy and cervical strain post cervical laminectomy and discectomy, is not etiologically related to service. As a result, the claim for service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's thoracic and lumbar spine disorder, as well as his cervical spine disorder (including fibrositis and osteoarthritis of the cervical spine), both on a direct basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated clinical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected cervical strain and right knee disability.

The Veteran's current cervical spine degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease are not related to service, and the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing due to scheduling issues. The main issues are seeking higher ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spine, as well as TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability and left arm radiculopathy. The issues related to service connection are inextricably intertwined, and a new examination is needed to assess the severity of the Veteran's PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a hearing issue and will schedule a Travel Board hearing for the Veteran.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and skin disorder of the feet. The evidence does not support an in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is not service-connected, as it is secondary to a pre-existing low back disability.,Hearing loss and hypertension are not service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for degenerative joint and disc disease of the cervical spine was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating, as there were no findings of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes lasting at least 4 weeks during any 12-month period.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, a neck disability, a back disability, fibromyalgia, and a disorder manifested by chest pain are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorder, including plantar warts and pes planus, is service-connected. However, there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to support a finding of in-service aggravation for these conditions. For his back disorder, the Board finds insufficient medical or credible lay evidence to establish an in-service injury or disease that led to current disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection and increased ratings for various joint disabilities, as well as a claim for TDIU. The Board has ordered additional development to address these issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disabilities did not manifest during active military service and are not related to a disease, injury, or event during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine myelopathy with disc herniation, status post-discectomy with fusion C4-5 and C5-6, is related to an injury incurred during INACDUTRA in April 2003. The right upper extremity and right lower extremity weakness are also found to be caused or aggravated by the cervical spine myelopathy.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's cervical spine disability, finding that the current 20% rating adequately reflects his symptoms and functional limitations.