Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to May 28, 2009 and at 20 percent from that date. The right knee strain with degenerative changes has been rated at 10 percent since the initial award of service connection in June 2005. The Veteran's right hand fracture was not assigned a compensable rating.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling prior to May 28, 2009 and 40 percent from that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical spondylosis, bilateral upper extremity disabilities, post-operative gynecomastia, tinnitus, rotator cuff tendinopathy of the left shoulder, rotator cuff tendinopathy of the right shoulder, and bilateral plantar fasciitis, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's cervical spine disc disease is rated at 20 percent since May 24, 2004. His left varicocele does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy and cervical spine disorder, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's period of active duty. Service connection for bilateral shoulder disorder is denied as there is no evidence linking the current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine disability and bilateral hearing loss were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right arm disability (claimed as neuropathy of the upper right arm) and residuals of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, C3 through C7. The current 20 percent rating for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and lumbar spondylosis is maintained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck disorder is related to his military service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for a right elbow disorder and did not find new and material evidence to reopen claims of service connection for chest pain, PTSD, cervical/thoracic strain, low back strain, residuals of concussion, or conjunctivitis. The Veteran's current symptoms do not meet the criteria for these conditions.

The Board found no evidence of a current back or neck disorder present during service, and concluded that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for blurred vision and a neck disability, finding that these conditions were not incurred in or related to service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for the issues of arthritis of the bilateral knees, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, an eye condition, residuals of a shoulder injury, and fibromyalgia. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for pes planus is also dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board videoconference hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for various conditions are under consideration.

The Board has determined that the VA examination report is inadequate and remands the case for another VA examination to determine if the Veteran's cervical spine disorder had its onset in service. The Veteran should also be asked to submit any other information, including private treatment records.

The Board has determined that further examination and opinions are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and cervical spine disability. The left foot injury claim is also remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, finding that the Veteran's long history of treatment and current use of allergy medication support a diagnosis of this condition. The other conditions were not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities. The RO should also request any outstanding medical records.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical examinations and records, particularly regarding cervical and lumbar spine disabilities. The Veteran reported experiencing neck and back pain since service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his neck disorder and upper extremity paresthesia.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his cervical spine disorder, left knee disorder, and left wrist posttraumatic arthritic changes. The initial rating of 10 percent for the left wrist disability is maintained.