Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination. The issues of service connection for back, neck, and right leg disabilities are inextricably intertwined with his Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits claim.

The Board found that the reductions in ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, right C6 radiculopathy, and a cervical spine fusion scar were proper based on improvement in the Veteran's conditions.

The claim of service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease with residuals has been reopened and remains denied.,Service connection for a lung disability as a result of asbestos exposure is not granted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, which represents a complete grant of the benefit sought on appeal. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, neck disability and left varicocele are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, and respiratory disability (COPD) are denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a causal relationship to service. The claim for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine conditions remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disorders were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of chronic conditions during service or within one year post-service. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, and cervical spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, and neuroforaminal narrowing. The Veteran's current conditions are deemed to be directly related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a new Social Security Administration decision letter, and the Veteran's representative is advised to respond with a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a cervical spine condition and determined that new evidence submitted by the Veteran raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claim. The Board also found that there is sufficient evidence to establish continuity of symptomatology from service, leading to a determination in favor of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, back pain, bunions, groin disorder, diverticulum, and PTSD were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and bilateral shoulder disorder are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury that could be linked to active duty.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis in the Veteran's neck or back, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for left knee arthritis and finds that new evidence supports this reopening. The claim of service connection for cervical spine disability remains denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea. The claims for chronic neck disability and erectile dysfunction remain denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the VA examination and the need for an addendum opinion. The examiner should consider all evidence, including the SSA finding that the Veteran lacks functional capacity for sedentary work.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine does not warrant an initial rating in excess of 10 percent. The claim for service connection for a right ankle condition is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his service-connected cervical spine disability, including any related trapezius strain and neurological symptoms. Clarification is also needed regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's reported occipital region pain and headaches.

The Veteran's service treatment records show he had pre-existing conditions such as allergic rhinitis and cervical strain. The VA is requested to provide a medical opinion on whether these conditions were aggravated by his military service or are related to his current disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for a compensable rating for service-connected bilateral shin splints and granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied as a matter of law because the injury occurred during his employment with VA, not in the course of any VA medical care or treatment.