Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is service-connected, and he has been granted a TDIU based on his cervical spine and left shoulder disabilities. The other issues remain pending for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical strain was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by a service-connected disease or injury. The claim for secondary service connection was denied.

The Veteran's service connection for residuals of a cervical spine injury is granted. His PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the initial grant of service connection.

The Board has ordered additional examinations and development due to the Veteran's testimony of increased severity of her service-connected conditions, which may affect her ability to work. The case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder, cervical spine disability, left great toe disability, and disabilities of the bilateral feet and toes were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board also found that there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's jaw locking and her active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for cervical spine disease prior to March 10, 2010 was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of severe disc disease with recurrent attacks and intermittent relief or incapacitating episodes requiring periods of bedrest prescribed by a physician.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his lumbar myositis, cervical myositis, and right hip throchanteric bursitis.

The Board denied service connection for thoracic and cervical spine disabilities, finding no current diagnoses or established link to service. The claim of reopening a low back disability was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left and right hip disabilities, as well as his claim for a disability of the cervical spine with headaches. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a disability of the thoracic spine due to lack of evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his hearing loss and arthritis of the knees, but granted a non-compensable rating for his service-connected cervical spine condition. The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a respiratory condition was not addressed as it is inextricably intertwined with other claims.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is not related to service, and his cervical spine disorder was not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability. Therefore, both conditions are denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed neck disability and cervical radiculopathy did not have their onset in service or are otherwise related to active duty. The evidence does not support a finding of chronic disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities do not warrant higher initial evaluations under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and cervical spondylosis, as well as reopening a previously denied claim of lumbar spine disability, are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations, consideration of new evidence, and further development.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not considered to be proximately due to carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of VA. The Board finds that the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 has not been met.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a videoconference hearing. The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the relationship between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, cervical spine, and right knee disabilities are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity so as to preclude substantially gainful employment, and she is therefore entitled to a TDIU rating.