Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for left foot drop with partial peroneal palsy, low back disability, and right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome have been withdrawn. The Veteran has a current neck disability that was likely incurred during service, and her service connection claim for a left knee disability is granted.,Prior to January 12, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD disability rating is increased to 70 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff and labrum tear, degenerative joint disease of the left elbow, and bulging annulus fibrosus at C5-C6 and C6-C7 of the cervical spine. The remaining claims have been remanded.

The Veteran's sinusitis, bronchitis, and tinea pedis skin disorders are all found to be service-connected. The bilateral foot hallux valgus and pes planus conditions were not found to be service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and opinion to consider the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded to allow for additional development of her medical records, examinations, and consideration of the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected cervical spine disability. The case will be returned to the Board after the examination.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected chronic low back strain.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable at the time of his death, and therefore, he was not entitled to a TDIU for accrued benefits purposes.

The Veteran does not have glaucoma and his cataracts are age-related. The cramps in the neck, left shoulder disorder, and migraine headaches are not related to service or a service-connected disability.,Service connection for glaucoma and cataracts/pseudophakia is denied as there is no evidence of causation or aggravation by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy, cervical strain, and lumbosacral strain with arthropathy, necessitate the need for an automobile to accommodate his mobility limitations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder was granted with an effective date of August 17, 2000. The skin rash issue is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy to the left arm/hand is service connected, but there is no evidence of residuals from a shrapnel wound.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the initial disability ratings for right knee status post ACL reconstruction with chondromalacia and degenerative arthritis, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled Board hearing. A Travel Board hearing will be scheduled at the RO.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, left knee disability, cardiovascular condition, neck disability, lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, and left foot disability have been reopened. Claims for scars of the face and head and residuals of a right thumb and hand injury were not reopened.

The Board is remanding the case to schedule a hearing for the Veteran, as he requested due to transportation and weather issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, schedule a VA examination, and readjudicate the TDIU claim. The issues of service connection for depression and increased evaluations for right ankle and bilateral knee disabilities are also being addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a fracture of the right distal radius are currently rated at 40 percent, and his cervical sprain with osteoarthritis is also rated at 40 percent. The Board has determined that these ratings adequately reflect the severity and symptomatology of the disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for somatic cervical thoracic dysfunction is denied as there are no current diagnosed conditions and the pain began prior to his Southwest Asia theater service.