Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, but denied his claims for increased evaluations and service connection for a penis disability including laceration scars and scars due to poison ivy, as well as Peyronie's disease. The initial evaluations were assigned based on new evidence that reopened the previously denied claims.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for her service-connected cervical spine disability has been dismissed as she withdrew the appeal in October 2010.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 12, 1999 for the initial grant of TDIU was granted. The Board found that the April 9, 1992 VA Form 9 constituted an informal claim and determined that the Veteran met the schedular criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability as of April 9, 1992.

The Veteran's neck disability results in limited forward flexion of the cervical spine, but does not result in muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to cause abnormal gait or spinal contour. Therefore, a rating higher than 10 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of comminuted spiral fracture of the left tibia and fibula with post traumatic arthritis of the left ankle, and post traumatic arthritis of the cervical and thoracic spine have been granted. The Veteran is now receiving a 20 percent rating for each condition.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's cervical spondylopathy and degenerative changes at C3-C4, as well as his low back syndrome with herniated nucleus pulposus at L3-L4, have been granted service connection. The effective date for these benefits is July 14, 2004.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of evidence linking his current conditions to his active service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches. The Board also finds that there is sufficient evidence to support a grant of service connection for neck, back, and bilateral forearm disabilities due to an in-service injury sustained during ACDUTRA duty.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development and consideration of new evidence, including a review of the May 2004 VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his request for a hearing and the matter is no longer pending.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a chronic low back or neck disability related to service, and thus the Veteran's claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected cervical spine and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess current disability levels.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations. The issues include rating claims for various disabilities, as well as service connection for shoulder disorders.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral plantar hyperkeratosis with pes cavus and hammertoes is granted. The other issues of service connection are dismissed as the Veteran withdrew them at his hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a Travel Board hearing as requested by the Veteran. The appeal is not decided on the merits of any service connection claims.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine conditions were rated, with the lumbar condition receiving a 40% rating effective from April 1, 2004. The Veteran also received separate ratings for radiculopathy in both upper and lower extremities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including asthma, mouth surgery, and right ear hearing loss, have been granted. The decision also indicates that the Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding other issues.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. The appellant's cervical spine and low back disabilities are being evaluated based on their relation to service, while his eye disability will require a new examination. A right knee evaluation is also required, as well as an assessment of whether TDIU should be granted.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection for the Veteran's right shoulder disorder, as her current condition is not related to her period of active duty service. The other claims were also denied.