Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and a need for further examination regarding National Guard service.

The Veteran's claims of PTSD, back disability, and neck disability were denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was set at April 10, 2006. The claim to reopen for a back disability was also denied.

The Veteran's neck disability is not considered to be caused by VA care, treatment or examination. The Board finds that the additional disability was due to his pre-existing cervical spine degenerative disease.

The Board has determined that a new medical opinion is needed to address whether the Veteran's cervical spine disorder was chronically aggravated by his service-connected impingement syndrome of the right shoulder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and potential need for further examination or medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a neurological disorder of the right upper extremity other than cervical radiculopathy, which is related to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The claim for a neurological disorder of the right upper extremity was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cervical spine and hand conditions, prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to outstanding treatment records, need for new examinations during a flare-up period, and other procedural issues.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was previously rated as 10 percent prior to February 6, 2013. From that date, the rating has been increased to 20 percent.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is proximately due to, or caused by his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The Board finds that the Veteran's cervical spine disability may be related to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities, including arthritis of multiple joints (including cervical spine, left and right shoulders, and left and right hands), are not related to his active service or any in-service injury. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claims for lumbar and cervical spine disorders, but denied service connection for these conditions as they were not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, and his cervical spine disability to include fused vertebrae and arthritis also meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is not related to his military service and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

Your appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the Board in Washington D.C.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for cervical 6-7 disc herniation is dismissed. The Board grants service connection for a right leg neurological disability as secondary to the service-connected lumbar strain with spurring at L3-5.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including rescheduling of a videoconference hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability began during his active duty service and is therefore granted as service connected.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for cervical and lumbar spine conditions has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran's representative.