Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's left foot disability is rated at 20 percent, and the Board has granted this rating. The issues of a higher rating for cervical and thoracic spine disability are addressed in the remand portion.

The Veteran is unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, particularly his low back disability. The Board finds that the criteria for TDIU have been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and providing additional opinions regarding secondary service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's account of sustaining a blow to the top of his head in service is not credible and concluded that the current cervical spine disability was not incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a disability of the cervical spine and an increased rating for hemorrhoids, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within one year after separation from service. The VA examiner opined that any current cervical spine disability is not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions and assigned a 20% evaluation effective from April 4, 2005. The effective date is not earlier than this as it was received on that date.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and hearing loss are rated at the lowest possible levels, with no service connection granted for pericarditis.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn as to his right knee disorder, left knee disorder, hearing loss, multiple arthralgias (joint pain), and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including amputation of the left lower extremity and other conditions, require regular aid and attendance. The case is being remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records from SSA and VA medical centers.

The Board denied service connection for neck and back disabilities as well as gout of the right hand, elbows, knees, and ankles. The Veteran's claims were based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were incurred in active service, granting his claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, including a VA examination of his cervical and thoracic spine disorders, an orthopedic and neurological examination related to his lumbar spine disability, and another examination to determine the etiology of his erectile dysfunction. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability, specifically cervical myosfascial syndrome, is related to his service-connected migraine headaches. As a result, the claim for secondary service connection for the cervical spine disability is granted.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for any claimed conditions, including TBI, cervical spine/neck disability, bilateral knee and shoulder disabilities. The Veteran's reported symptoms were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is granted with a 60 percent evaluation, and his claims for cervical spine disorder and headache disorder are also granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and impotence, including psychogenic impotence. Service connection is granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

The Board found no evidence of a current cervical spine disability related to service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and a pulmonary disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.