Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board finds that additional development is necessary to determine the current severity of the Veteran's left shoulder condition, as well as his service connection claims for cervical spine disability, bilateral pes planus, plantar fasciitis of the right foot, and sinusitis. The Veteran also needs a VA examination to address whether any current foot disorders are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities, including chest pain, bilateral knee pain, and neck pain, are not related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the inadequacy of an October 2010 VA examination. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining another VA examination and considering any additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degeneration and dismissed the appeal of PTSD as the Veteran withdrew his claim for an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any spine disorder(s) that may be present.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, claimed as secondary to his service-connected lower back disability, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gynecological disorders, including ovarian and cervical cysts and abnormal bleeding, are not related to her active service. The breast disorder claim is also denied as there is no evidence of a current breast disability during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the Veteran's current lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, including their etiology. A new VA examination by a rheumatologist is required.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted as secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis.,A 30 percent evaluation is granted for the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The effective date of this rating decision is not specified.,The Veteran's asthma is denied, with no higher than a 10 percent evaluation being granted.,A 30 percent evaluation is granted for the Veteran's muscle tension headaches.,A 10 percent evaluation is granted for each of the Veteran's elbow tendonitis conditions.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is denied and remains at its current 0 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a disability manifested by impaired immune system, trachea/heart positional shift, cervical spine disability, depression, OSA, and bronchitis was denied. The Board found no evidence of an impairment in the immune system or any other claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected cervical spine disability and its impact on his ability to work. The TDIU claim will be adjudicated as part of this process.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine condition due to insufficient development and examination.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it does not result in forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome of at least four weeks. The current 20 percent rating is therefore denied.

The Veteran requested a withdrawal of all issues on appeal due to the increase in her post-concussive syndrome rating to 100 percent effective October 9, 2012. As such, the Board dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative joint disease is presumed to have been incurred in service due to continuous symptoms since separation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his anxiety with depression and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have resulted in a combined disability rating of 100 percent. The Veteran is eligible for financial assistance to acquire an automobile or adaptive equipment due to the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative joint disease, PTSD, and left great toe disability were denied. The Board found that the arthritis was not incurred in or aggravated by service, while the PTSD and left great toe disability met the criteria for a 50% rating before October 28, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The claim for a lumbar spine disability was not reopened, while the claims for right shoulder, cervical spine, and bilateral hand disabilities were not granted. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was granted with a 20% rating.