Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 20 percent is warranted for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected back and neck disabilities are being remanded to allow for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and shrapnel injuries, played a substantial and material causal role in his death from end stage congestive heart failure.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective March 1, 2004. The appellant is eligible for DEA benefits starting from either the date of the rating decision (March 9, 2011) or any date between March 1, 2004 and March 9, 2011 chosen by the appellant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities are related to his active duty service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for non-service-connected disability pension benefits was granted effective June 15, 2006. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date due to his employment status and medical conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging a VA examination to assess the current severity of his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his cervical spine arthritis and right foot disorder.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary for the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and cervical dystonia claims due to the passage of time since the last VA examinations. The Veteran's service connection claims are also remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his cervical dystonia.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that his current condition was not manifested during active military service and is not shown to be causally or etiologically related to his active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rate of SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the issues of service connection and rating for his claimed cervical spine disorder, shoulder numbness, PTSD, and secondary service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability and other issues, including increased ratings for various disabilities. The Veteran's claims were not granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's neck disability is not related to service, and denied his claim. The right knee disability claim requires additional development as per the instructions provided.

The Veteran's claims for lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and tension headaches have been granted.,The Veteran's increased rating claims for plantar fasciitis of the right foot and left foot are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and to obtain updated medical records. The issues of service connection for a cervical spine disability and an increased evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The lumbosacral spine disability remains at a 10 percent rating prior to December 1, 2011 and at a 20 percent rating thereafter. Separate 10 percent ratings are assigned for right and left circumflex nerve paralysis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records from the U.S. Air Force.

The Board has found that further development is needed for VA to fulfill its duties under the VCAA, including obtaining SSA and Workers' Compensation records, as well as private treatment records. The Veteran's service connection claims are remanded for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, left shoulder, and cervical spine have been granted.,The Board found that DJD was manifested within one year after separation from service and is related to service.