Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical stenosis is currently rated at 20 percent, effective from November 1, 2006. The claim for higher ratings for the service-connected left and right upper extremity disabilities are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for tension headaches and granted service connection. The Veteran also had his claim for a cervical spine disability related to an in-service injury accepted by the Board.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting higher disability ratings for her service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and an increased rating for postoperative residuals of right femur fracture with right lower extremity shortening. The claim for an increased rating for low back strain was also denied.,Service connection was granted for the postoperative residuals of right femur fracture, but at a 20 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent before December 11, 2009 and increased to 20 percent from December 11, 2009. The rating was granted as the disability more nearly approximates a condition characterized by pain and stiffness with limitation of flexion.

The Board has granted a 10 percent initial rating for the Veteran's neck pain, associated with surgical scar and residuals of neck carbuncle. The condition is productive of slight limitation of motion but not severe enough to warrant higher ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, but denied service connection for cervical spine arthritis and hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and an increased rating for cervical spine strain are being remanded due to incomplete development of his records, including personnel records from the Army National Guard. The VA will also obtain recent treatment records and complete any further development as directed.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine DDD has been rated at 20 percent since its initial grant of service connection. The RO increased the rating to 30 percent, effective from April 19, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing records from Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and other treatment records, which may be relevant to the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder was not manifested by unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, by any form of paralysis, or by incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during any twelve month term prior to January 8, 2008. The claim for increased rating is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine DJD and DDD are related to in-service trauma, and therefore grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and a cervical spine disorder, finding no credible evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's account of falling from a helicopter during service was deemed not credible.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claims of entitlement to service connection for right foot/ankle disability, low back disability, neck disability, and headaches.

The Veteran's low back disability is found to be related to service, while his cervical spine disability does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions of blepharospasm and cervical dystonia/spasmodic torticollis are not service-connected, as there is no evidence showing their onset in service or association with herbicide exposure. The VA expert concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support a link between Agent Orange exposure and the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran asserts that he currently suffers from a cervical spine disorder related to an in-service injury. The Board finds the need for further examination and remands the case.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board has granted a 30 percent rating since January 4, 2008.