Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to February 4, 2013 and 20 percent thereafter. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbosacral spine disorders were not shown to be related to service, and the Board denied service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues listed on the title page prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain and cervical spine disability have been granted initial evaluations of 10 percent, 20 percent, and 40 percent respectively since June 26, 2007. The effective date for these ratings is not specified.

The Board has determined that the case should be remanded for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine disability, including as secondary to his service-connected gunshot wound disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability is granted, with a current effective date of the initial period of the appeal. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee arthritis, status post cervical spine fracture with left radiculopathy, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's in-service parachute jumps are considered the primary cause of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and the need for VA examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, as his range of motion did not meet criteria for higher ratings under either the General Rating Formula or the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder and an increased rating for cervical disc disease. The Veteran's current conditions are related to her in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of his cervical spine disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, migraine headaches, PTSD, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened, and the Board found new and material evidence to support this claim. The remaining issues of cervical strain, low back disorder, stomach disorder, and leg cramps are still pending.

The Board has denied service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine and arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or ankylosis of the cervical spine, and there were no incapacitating episodes during the past 12 months.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability, but denied the claim on the merits. The evidence does not establish that the current cervical spine disability is related to active service.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to various disabilities, including hearing loss, elbow and knee conditions, spine disorders, foot problems, and a scar. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Board has reviewed the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, but due to mixed results on some issues, a clear disposition could not be determined.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cervical spine strain and compression fracture of the lumbar spine, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The separate evaluation for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity warrants no more than a 20 percent rating.