Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine at C5-C7, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability and service connection for a cervical spine disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of pneumonia, also claimed as shortness of breath, was previously denied in July 1990 and reopened by new evidence submitted since then. The low back disorder claim has been reopened but the service connection is not granted.,The low back disorder claim has been reopened with new evidence showing degenerative disc disease and facet joint disease. However, the evidence does not establish that these conditions are related to active service or any incident therein.,The left ankle strain claim was previously denied in March 1977 and reopened by new evidence submitted since then. The evidence does not show a connection between the condition and active service.,Hypertension, enlarged heart, kidney damage, right shoulder disorder, and right leg disorder claims have all been reopened with new evidence but do not establish a connection to active service or any incident therein.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his thoracolumbar spine disability. The appeal will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a cervical spine disability. The claims are being remanded to obtain relevant records and to provide the Veteran with VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal regarding her service-connected pelvic strain was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and he is granted a separate compensable rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy. The left lower extremity radiculopathy remains at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a Veteran's videoconference hearing at his local RO due to his request. The appeal is not about service connection, but rather temporary total evaluation under 38 C.F.R. � 4.30.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his cervical spine disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome or ankylosis, and therefore, no higher ratings could be assigned.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for multiple scars of the scalp and neck is pending as it will be addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has found that the Veteran's cervical spine condition and headache disorder are incurred in service, meeting the criteria for direct service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it. Service connection is also granted for hypertension, but not for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, right shoulder, left shoulder, trembling of the right hand, or loss of memory.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA vocational rehabilitation records and medical records from February 2005 to the present. Additionally, a new VA examination is needed due to the possibility of worsening in her service-connected cervical spine injury.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for information from Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding disability determinations and medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and will consider all issues on appeal once these records are obtained.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and limitation of motion is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The right and left knee disabilities are each rated at 10 percent for arthritis and limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability began in service and has continued since, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability did not warrant a higher rating and his varicose veins, right leg medial aspect, early, also did not meet criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder pain, left arm pain, headaches, and neck pain have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service. The available service treatment records are unavailable.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for urinary frequency, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral lower extremity neurological disorder, amnestic disorder, and cervical spine disorder is denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the St. Petersburg, Florida RO.