Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Appellant's disabilities rendered her physically helpless in performing daily activities and required aid and attendance from March 11, 2004 to November 20, 2008. She was also found to be substantially confined to her home or immediate premises due to her disabilities reasonably certain to remain throughout her lifetime.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Canton-Potsdam Hospital from April 1, 2009 to April 3, 2009 is being remanded due to the need for clarification and additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches and neck disability are etiologically related to his service-connected TMJ dysfunction, warranting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for scoliosis, spondylosis of the cervical spine, and a lumbar spine disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses are considered to be related to her military service.

The Board has established service connection for a cervical spine disability (neck disorder) based on direct evidence of injury and current condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining a service separation examination and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to address his spine and gastrointestinal conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, diagnosed as cervical degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis, was incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran has an additional cervical spine disability as a result of VA cervical surgery in June 2003, and the evidence is in equipoise as to whether this disability was caused by carelessness or negligence on the part of VA.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed low back, right knee, left knee, and neck disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during active service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the left ear hearing loss did not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The cervical spine and left shoulder disorders are currently unresolved issues.

The Veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus with spondylolisthesis L5-S1 and mild facet hypertrophy with right lower extremity radiculopathy has been manifested by limitation of motion in flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 60 degrees, with pain on motion. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and arranging for a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's cervical strain is currently rated at 20 percent, reflecting functional limitation of forward flexion that is greater than 15 degrees but not more than 30 degrees.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and private treatment records. She also needs new VA examinations to evaluate her migraine headaches and cervical spine disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spinal strain with degenerative disc disease, lumbar spinal strain, and headaches as secondary to the cervical condition.,All conditions are found to be related to active duty.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder claim is being remanded due to inadequate notification and the need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hoarseness secondary to his cervical fusion of the lateral intervetebral disc C5-6 has been reopened and granted. The Veteran is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims of service connection for residuals of injuries to the cervical spine, including strain and bulging discs, and residuals of an injury to the thoracic spine at T5-6, including pain. The claims are therefore reopened.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with the cervical spine disorder receiving a 20% rating and the lumbar spine disorder receiving varying ratings based on different time periods. The radiculopathy of both lower extremities was also granted but rated as noncompensable.