Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability was granted an increased rating of 30 percent for the period prior to December 18, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of valley fever are related to his military service, but there is insufficient evidence to establish a current low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to address the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and his cervical spine disability. The issue of TDIU is also deferred until this development is completed.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the appellant's current cervical spine disability, including multilevel degenerative disc disease and status post anterior diskectomy of C5 to C7, was incurred during his period of active duty. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran does not have degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, lower left extremity disability, or a left upper extremity disability that was caused or aggravated by his service. The Board finds no evidence to support these claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral flat feet had its clinical onset during his period of active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, C5-6, and service connection for fibromyalgia, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, and arthritis of the shoulders, knees, and wrists were denied. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for a lumbar spine disability and that his current cervical spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by his active service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete service records and the need for further examination regarding his hearing loss, tinnitus, and potential service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing and further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine his eligibility for TDIU and special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical DDD is currently rated at 10 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current disability levels.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding whether it is secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disorder and found that his current cervical spine, left knee, and right knee disorders are related to his in-service trauma. The appeal is now limited to determining if these secondary service connection claims should be granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are unrelated to his military service, including symptoms he experienced in service. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine disorders are not attributable to his period of service.

The VA determined that the Veteran's neck disability is not service-connected, as there was no evidence of a direct connection to his military service. The Board found insufficient medical evidence to support a finding that the current neck disability is related to an in-service motor vehicle accident or secondary to his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back and neck disorders are not related to his active service, including any exposure to Agent Orange or other environmental factors. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's appeal of the increased rating for status post left knee anterior horn tear and lateral meniscus tear was withdrawn prior to a decision being made. The cases of his lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his headache disability and acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded for further development.