Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to determine the current nature and etiology of his claimed back and neck disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine, cervical spine, bilateral hip and leg disability with arthritis, and acquired psychiatric disability including depression are not related to service or an incident of service origin.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is not related to her military service and denied her claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has restored the previously assigned ratings for lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease and cervical spine paravertebral myositis, finding that the reductions were improper due to a lack of evidence showing improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and neck disabilities are not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability or due to an in-service motorcycle accident. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the case needs to be remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability and thoracolumbar spine disability, which are claimed as secondary to service-connected right wrist and shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine arthritis resulted in slight limitation of motion prior to January 7, 2000. The Board granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her claims, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of periods of active duty, ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA. The Veteran's left knee, cervical spine, lumbar spine, and left ankle conditions are all under review for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's service and his current back, cervical spine, or shoulder conditions. The Veteran's claimed disabilities are not presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities were evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating, as he could still flex his lumbar spine to 90 degrees without additional limitation due to pain or repetitive movement.

The Board found no evidence of a neck or cervical spine disorder during service, and the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service. The examiner opined that it was less likely than not that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's cervical disability and testicular atrophy were found to be related to his period of service, while the ganglion cyst left wrist was not. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and Hepatitis B claims are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and cervical radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities was granted with an effective date of August 27, 1995.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of neck disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral eye disability, bilateral feet disability, diabetes mellitus, heart attack caused by clogged artery, psychiatric disorder (anxiety attacks and nervousness), headaches, bilateral leg disability, and bilateral arm disability have been withdrawn. The claim for service connection for a back disability is denied as there is no competent evidence of a current diagnosis. The claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability is also denied due to lack of competent medical evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1114(s) is denied as he does not meet the requirements for SMC based on his total disability rating due to PTSD and additional service-connected disabilities rated at less than 60 percent combined.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a cervical spine disability or headaches due to disease or injury incurred in service. The evidence is insufficient to establish service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids, a lumbar spine disorder, a cervical spine disorder and tinnitus are granted. The claim for an increased rating for residuals of a partial tear to the left medial collateral ligament is pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability does not warrant a higher rating as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or forward flexion to 15 degrees or less. The Veteran's right knee and right shoulder disabilities are also rated at their maximum allowable under the applicable diagnostic codes.