Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and requesting an updated opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain has not been manifested by forward flexion of the cervical spine less than or equal to 15 degrees, and her back condition was not caused or aggravated by her service-connected cervical strain.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been granted service connection and rated at 20 percent effective November 25, 2008. The other issues have not been resolved.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including migraines, left hip strain, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left knee degenerative joint disease, and cervical spine osteodegenerative disease. The Board has determined that further examination is needed to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a Travel Board hearing due to the Veteran's request. The issues on appeal include service connection claims and a reopening of a previous claim.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine whether the Veteran currently has a cervical spine disability related to his in-service motor vehicle accidents. The claim for service connection will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including associated neurological impairment, has been evaluated as 40 percent disabling under the applicable rating criteria. The Board denied a higher extra-schedular rating based on evidence of exceptional or unusual disability.

The Board found no evidence of a link between the Veteran's current cervical spine disability and chronic headaches and his military service, and denied both claims.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disabilities are secondary to his service-connected left foot and leg disabilities. The diabetes mellitus disability is also considered secondary to these service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine condition, including cervical spondylosis, was not present until many years after service and is not related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran seeks a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The case is being remanded to obtain vocational rehabilitation records and provide the Veteran with a new VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current cervical spine or left foot disability for VA compensation purposes and therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, but his bilateral hearing loss and service connection for inguinal hernia are not granted.

The Veteran's lumbar strain was initially rated as 20 percent disabling prior to December 2, 2009, and increased to 40 percent disabling thereafter.,For the cervical spine disability, the Veteran has been granted a 20 percent rating since March 8, 2000.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to January 5, 2012 and increased to 20 percent as of that date. The current rating is not higher than what is warranted based on the evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of the claims for service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, thoracic spine degenerative disc disease, a left hip condition, and a right hip condition. The claim of service connection for a left inguinal hernia and Crohn's disease is granted.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of cervical spine, lumbar spine, left hip, and both knees. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his active duty as a Navy Seal.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of August 27, 2008 for the grant of service connection for chronic musculoligamentous strain of the cervical spine in association with minimal degenerative discogenic changes at C6-7. The effective date is based on the Veteran's original claim for a left shoulder disability which was received within one year after discharge from service.