Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The right knee disability, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability are currently rated at 20%, 10%, and 10% respectively.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service and no link to service. The VA examination did not find any neck pathology or neurological finding on examinations in service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and a skin disorder. The claim for residuals of dental trauma was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied service connection for headaches, cervical spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, and right elbow disorder in April 2006. The Veteran's claim was reopened based on new evidence submitted since the last final denial.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private medical records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for cervical and thoracic spine disorders is pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, PTSD, two facial scars, left and right knee conditions, and neuropathy of the upper extremities, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and hypertension, finding that there is no evidence of a pre-existing condition in either case.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling prior to February 3, 2009 and 20 percent disabling from that date. The Veteran's low back strain is currently rated as 10 percent disabling throughout the appeal period.,The Veteran's anterior neck scar is currently rated as noncompensable prior to February 3, 2009 and 10 percent disabling beginning on that date. The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis is currently rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims for service connection for low back and neck disabilities can be properly adjudicated.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, bilateral shoulder, memory loss, headache, and sleep disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a thoracolumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, anal fissure, bilateral knee disorder, or bilateral wrist disorder. Therefore, the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities do not meet the minimum schedular criteria for a TDIU, and his employment is not prevented by these conditions alone.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is not causally related to his active service, but rather developed after a post-service motor vehicle accident.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examination and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities were denied. However, he was granted initial ratings of 10% each for the radiculopathy in both upper extremities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and pulmonary embolisms are not service-connected, with no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, a sleep disorder (claimed as PTSD), and cervical spine condition have been denied. The claim for increased rating of lumbar spine disability has also been denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. However, the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not considered to have been aggravated by active service or any incident thereof. The Board also found no credible supporting evidence for a claimed in-service stressor related to PTSD, thus denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder). Service connection was denied for headaches, a vestibular disorder, and unspecified muscle, joint and neck pain.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for a psychiatric disorder, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, as it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right hip disability. The remaining issues of service connection are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.