Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative changes of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and hypertension.

The Veteran's cervical spine arthritis was found to be incurred in service and granted for accrued benefits purposes. The increased rating for the left shoulder dislocation with limited abduction is also granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical and lumbar spine disorders are not related to his military service, as they are more likely due to natural degenerative changes associated with aging.

The Veteran's appeal is currently in remand status due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a connection between his in-service stressors and current symptoms. However, the cervical spine disorder is found to be related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his cervical spine disability were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating greater than 10 percent for the period from July 20, 2006 to April 25, 2007 and for a rating greater than 30 percent since June 1, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy and right shoulder condition are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of medical records.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Rockingham Memorial Hospital on July 9, 2009 is granted as the treatment was for a condition that would have been considered an emergency by a prudent layperson.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are related to his active service, while varicose veins of the left leg were likely caused by or a result of military service.,Service connection is granted for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and varicose veins of the left leg.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine has been rated at 10 percent since December 18, 2009. The initial ratings for both conditions have not exceeded this level.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is etiologically related to a fall he sustained during active service, and therefore grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right ulnar nerve disorder is not considered to be caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of additional disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and adjudication, including obtaining updated medical evaluations and opinions regarding his ability to engage in the profession of massage therapy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbosacral strain and cervical spine conditions, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine its etiology and whether it was incurred or aggravated during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's low back pain with spondylosis of L5-S1 and cervical spine degenerative changes have not been shown to warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's lay statements during the course of this claim were not credible, as they were inconsistent with the in-service evidence and the evidence proximate to service. The preponderance of the evidence is against the Veteran's claim that he incurred a current cervical spine disorder as a result of an incident in service prior to his discharge.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), a dental condition, and a bilateral eye disorder. The remaining claims were also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether any current cervical spine disability is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's service.