Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for cervical spine and right knee disabilities were denied as there was no evidence of a service-connected disability. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability was also denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor actually occurred.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, and the Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical records and to schedule the Veteran for an examination to assess the severity of her service-connected conditions. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her total vaginal hysterectomy and multiple spine conditions, are found to be disabling enough to prevent her from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and neck disorders are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and for a higher rating for his scar with postoperative keloids of the neck and right cheek. The Veteran's cervical spine disability was not found to be related to service or secondary to his service-connected scars, while his scar was rated appropriately based on its current characteristics.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are service-connected.,The Board also found that the Veteran's right arm tremors are related to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent from March 29, 2007 to July 29, 2009 and increased to 30 percent from February 26, 2010. Her lumbar spine disability was initially rated at 10 percent during the same period.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back and cervical spine disorders are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service discharge. The VA examiner opined that the current diagnoses are less likely caused by in-service events.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine disorders pre-existed his second period of active service, and there was no clear and unmistakable evidence to show they were aggravated by such service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of right and left shoulder, cervical spine or left ankle disabilities. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis (other than rheumatoid) of multiple joints, including cervical spine, left foot, wrists, hands, elbows, ankles and lumbar spine. The evidence did not establish a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing at the RO. The issues of service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders and musculoskeletal disabilities, are pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine strain, post-concussive headaches, and PTSD with anxiety and depressive disorder were denied. The VA found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records. The issues include right shoulder disability, back disability, and cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his discharge from active duty and service connection.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is found to be the result of injury in active military service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA examination and SSA records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability is pending.