Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is not manifested by forward flexion of the cervical spine to 15 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. The evidence does not demonstrate that his associated neurological disorder warrants a higher evaluation.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for an upper back disability. The RO denied this claim in a May 2002 rating decision, which was upheld by the Veteran's July 2003 statement indicating she did not receive the February 2003 letter and that her representative had not properly indicated what she wanted to appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, finding no current diagnoses or evidence of a link between his claimed conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the appellant's current cervical spine disability was not incurred in service and is less likely than not related to his active service. The claim for an initial compensable rating for right lower extremity sciatica from September 10, 2007, to January 13, 2009, remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including psychiatric disorders, GERD, cervical and lumbar spine conditions, sinusitis, eczema, erectile dysfunction, and hip disorder. The claims are being remanded for additional development of the record.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current disability of any of the claimed conditions, and there is no evidence linking these disabilities to service. The VA examinations and VHA specialist opinions do not support a finding that any of the disabilities are related to the 1969 motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination to determine if any additional disabilities were caused or aggravated by a fall on June 9, 2008.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and development are necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding no competent evidence that it is related to or had its onset in service, or that it is secondary to his service-connected lower back disability.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury, cervical strain with arthritis, or right shoulder and arm condition.

The Veteran's cervical strain with headaches and associated radiculopathy have been rated at 30 percent since August 1, 2007. The effective date for this rating is not specified.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative due to the assignment of a 100 percent rating for tetraplegia and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for left knee disability was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. Service connection claims for right knee and back disabilities were also denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected left knee condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spines, as well as for obtaining any relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's cervical spine and left shoulder disorders, including obtaining more recent treatment records and arranging for examinations to address the issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary due to the need for SSA records, VA examinations, and further analysis of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule him for a video hearing. The issues on appeal include service connection claims and reopening of previous claims.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of a chronic nerve condition secondary to the degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and thus service connection cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are directly related to his military service, specifically an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion during combat duty in Iraq. As such, the claims for service connection have been granted.