Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and a VA examination. The issues of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and headaches are being considered.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability did not have onset during service and is not related to any in-service injury or event. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have onset during service and is granted as service connected. The bilateral hearing loss disability and neck disability are both found to be not related to service.

The Veteran does not have a qualifying additional disability (characterized as radicular symptoms in his arms) resulting from the March 1995 VA cervical fusion procedure at C4 to C7. The Board finds that the Veteran's condition was not caused by or aggravated by the VA treatment.

The Veteran's arthritis or spondylosis of the cervical spine is not related to service, and his headaches are not found to be secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of his Reserve service and an appropriate VA examination to evaluate his claimed cervical spine disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to obtain additional medical records and insurance award documentation. The claims will be readjudicated after the development is completed.

The Veteran is not entitled to SMC benefits because his tuberculosis has been inactive and he is currently receiving a higher monthly payment for his skin disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and neck disabilities are not related to service, while his right hand disability is less likely caused by a service injury.,Service connection for all three conditions (low back, neck, and right hand) was denied.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board found that the Veteran's hip, knee and cervical spine disabilities are not service-connected as they did not begin during or within one year after his military service. The Board also determined that these conditions are secondary to his service-connected hallux valgus of the left foot.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating of 30 percent is warranted.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for pension or special monthly pension benefits due to his unemployability and lack of permanent total disability.

For the period from March 29, 2005 to July 19, 2011, the Veteran's cervical spine disability was manifested by pain and reduced range of motion. The rating assigned is 10 percent.,As of July 20, 2011, the Veteran's cervical spine disability was manifested by pain and increased reduced range of motion. The rating assigned is 20 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spondylosis was not incurred or aggravated during active duty service and is not related to service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spine, cervical spine, bilateral knee, and bilateral shoulder conditions.

The Veteran's spinal surgery in July 2009 was related to his service-connected back disability and deemed necessary due to the severity of his symptoms. The treatment received at Providence Swedish Hospital met all criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional examinations and development due to missed scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's cervical spine stenosis and right ankle degenerative joint disease are being remanded for further examination as the current VA examiner did not address his claims of service connection based on in-service injury or aggravation.