Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's increased rating claims for his service-connected lumbar strain and discogenic disk disease of the lumbar spine, left elbow later epicondylitis, and cervical strain and small bulging disk at C6-C7.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether hypertension contributed to the Veteran's death, and thus service connection for the cause of death will be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability and left elbow fracture with paresthesias rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from December 14, 1993 to August 16, 2001.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine disorders are not related to service, with symptoms first manifesting many years after separation from active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were remanded due to the need for further examination. The VA examinations provided adequate findings to rate the disabilities, but no rating was assigned as the appeal is pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected disabilities and any new disability claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any of the claimed disabilities and finds no evidence to support a service connection claim based on exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of his cervical spine and shoulder disorders, as well as any aggravation by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability has been granted increased ratings from August 31, 2001 to October 12, 2011. The claims for right testicle and neck disabilities remain denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, impingement of a nerve (claimed as thoracic outlet syndrome and bone abnormality of the shoulder blade), dislocation of the right elbow, chronic fatigue syndrome, cervical spine disorder, and costochondritis. The decision is based on direct service connection without any presumption or secondary theory.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been manifested by limited range of motion, but not to a degree that would warrant an increased rating. The current 10 percent rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, and right knee disabilities. The claims are being remanded for a VA examination and additional development.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination and obtaining updated treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, body rash, insomnia, and a left shoulder disorder. The claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's left wrist arthritis and cervical spine disability are related to service, granting his claims for these conditions.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical evidence and an examination, as well as provide the Veteran with proper notice regarding secondary service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disorder is not related to his military service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and neck disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining relevant medical records. The claim for PTSD is characterized as a psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for tinnitus were granted. However, his claims for lumbar spine disability, right knee osteoarthritis, and cervical spine disability were not supported by evidence of a nexus to active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder rotator cuff impingement, right elbow traumatic arthritis, and cervical spine degenerative disc disease are being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical records.