Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for VA examinations and further review of the evidence.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions were denied as there is no current evidence of a chronic disability related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, including fused vertebrae. The case is REMANDED for obtaining missing service treatment records and SSA disability determination records.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a new VA examination of the Veteran's cervical spine and obtaining records from Social Security Administration.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and attempting to obtain any additional records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine injuries will be adjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's left knee, cervical spine, right shoulder, right hip and left ankle disorders are found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. Effective February 8, 2006, a 10% evaluation is assigned for the right knee.

The Veteran claims service connection for a cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disorder that he contends is secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability. The Board finds the VA examination inadequate and remands the case for further development.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is evaluated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular evaluation based on limitation of motion. His lumbar spine disability has been rated as 20 percent disabling throughout the appeal period. The Board denied all issues related to service connection and evaluations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities had onset in service or were caused by his active military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical and thoracic spine, finding that these conditions are related to service. The Veteran is now entitled to a 20% evaluation for each condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip superior labral tear and degenerative disc changes of the cervical spine from C4 through C6 are as likely as not related to military service, including his deployment in Iraq. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, cervical spine, right hip, and bilateral foot disabilities were denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine strain and cervical spine disability. The evidence shows that the Veteran had symptoms of back pain during service, which he attributed to a fall in basic training and an exercise period in aviation ordnance school. Service treatment records show no pre-existing condition noted at entry into service. The Board finds that the Veteran's current lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of issues including service connection for back, neck, and right shoulder disabilities. The Veteran's claims are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right ear pain, leukoplakia, GERD, bruxism, left knee disability, impingement syndrome of the right shoulder, cervical spine DJD, lumbar spine DJD, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction were denied as there is no current evidence of a diagnosed condition or link to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance of another person, necessitating the grant of SMC at the aid and attendance rate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not currently suffer from Cushing's Syndrome and her other claimed disabilities are not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to procedural issues and need for additional medical examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, as there was no evidence of chronic disability during service or within one year post-service. The VA examiner concluded these conditions are unrelated to his service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 70 percent for PTSD has been denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation.