Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck disability is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination and an addendum opinion to address the Veteran's assertions of neck pain during service and after service.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle strain, DJD of the left knee previously tendonitis, postoperative (P/O), DJD of the right knee previously tendonitis, postoperative (P/O), and DJD of the right knee with limited extension are all rated at 10 percent. The cervical spine DDD and DJD is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder, including degenerative joint disease and stenosis of the cervical spine, is not related to his military service. The claim for secondary service connection due to a service-connected lumbar spine disability was also denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is related to his service-connected cervical myositis and bulging disc, thoracic discogenic disease and lumbosacral bulging disc, neurodermatitis, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (previously an unspecified skin condition of the bilateral calves and forearms), obstructive sleep apnea, and residuals of a left ankle fracture. The Veteran's cervical myositis and bulging disc, thoracic discogenic disease and lumbosacral bulging disc are granted with initial ratings in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a fainting condition, irritable bowel syndrome with chronic constipation, and degenerative changes of the cervical spine is being remanded due to missing VA examinations. The examiner will determine if these conditions are related to service or any other factors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left arm/shoulder disability is related to service and granted a rating of 20 percent for his cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the submission of new medical authorizations by the Veteran.

The Veteran's congenital defects of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, shoulder, and pectoral muscles were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his cervical spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and confirming if he has waived review by the RO.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches and a cervical spine disability, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current back and neck disabilities are not related to his active service. The earliest clinical evidence of these conditions is from 2007, more than 49 years after separation from service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions, including neuropathy and radiculopathy of the lower extremities, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, left knee, cervical spine disability, bulging disc and herniation, degenerative changes of the right ankle, left ankle, and thoracic paravertebral myositis (claimed as thoracic lordosis).

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of his military personnel records.

The Veteran's cervical strain was not manifested by forward flexion less than 40 degrees or a combined range of motion less than 335 degrees, and he did not have muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour. The right shoulder strain has been manifested by shoulder pain but not limited to midway between the side and shoulder level.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's cervical strain has been productive of stiffness, pain, and tenderness with a combined range of motion of 205 degrees. The condition does not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for chronic residuals of a motor vehicle accident affecting the Veteran's spine, shoulders, arms, and entire body as there were no chronic residuals at the time of separation from service.