Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Veteran's migraine headaches are not compensable.,For the period from November 27, 2006, to September 18, 2009, the Veteran has been granted TDIU status due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability with right upper extremity radiculopathy is related to service and grants this claim.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine, right shoulder, and right hip disorders as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability. The adjustment disorder with depressed mood and idiopathic polyneuropathy of the right leg and right hip are not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations. The issues include service connection for various conditions, with some potentially related to in-service injuries or exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, left arm radiculopathy and weakness, and right arm radiculopathy. The pre-existing conditions were found to not be aggravated by service.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the feet and toes is presumed to have been incurred in service, while his cervical spine arthritis is also presumed. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for TMJ syndrome.

The Veteran's cervical strain was initially rated as non-compensable from June 1, 2005 to April 20, 2010 and is now rated at 10 percent since April 21, 2010. The lumbosacral strain with muscle spasm has been rated as 10 percent since the onset of symptoms.

The Veteran's current cervical spine disorder is not shown to have been incurred or aggravated during his active duty service. The Board finds that the evidence does not establish an in-service injury or disease resulting in a current disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his lower back disability and depression, as well as his claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability have been denied. The Board also found that the Veteran's insomnia is not a separate condition but rather a symptom of his already service-connected depression.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, including left knee disorder, cervical spine disorder, neurogenic bowel, subconjunctival hemorrhages (claimed asphyxia residuals), and hair loss. The claims were not reopened or granted.

The Board denied reopening and granting service connection for a lumbar spine disability, but found that the Veteran does not have a cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The initial ratings for PTSD and degenerative disc disease, cervical spine are under review.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion from a VA physician regarding whether the Veteran's current neck disability is related to his military service. The Veteran contends that his neck disability is related to an in-service accident involving loading a bomb and subsequent falls.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's incomplete fusion of the cervical spine is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found no evidence of a neck injury or arthritis in service, and concluded that the Veteran's current neck disability is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted for his back, neck, right knee, left knee, or frostbite residuals.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to make a decision on the Veteran's claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and arranging for examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and development of his medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety (panic), are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The Veteran was exposed to combat in Iraq, which is sufficient evidence for service connection under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1154(b).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical myositis with discogenic disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are being remanded to allow for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and ensuring all Spanish documents are translated.