Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar spine, cervical spine, thoracic spine, and right hip disorders are related to her active duty service.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have current back or neck disabilities that are related to his military service.,Hemorrhoids were noted at the time of enlistment, but there is no evidence they worsened during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability and right knee strain are not related to his military service, and thus denied these claims.

The veteran's bilateral high frequency hearing loss and right cervical muscle strain (cervical spine disability) have been granted increased ratings.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service for the veteran's cervical spine and shoulder conditions, thus denying these claims.

The veteran's low back disability was granted a 20 percent rating effective May 16, 2007. His cervical spine disability and TMJ dysfunction were also granted increased ratings.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine surgery in December 1988 was not faulty and did not cause additional disability. The veteran does not have any service-connected disabilities, so his claim for a TDIU rating is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's low back/bone spurs disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and arthritis may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for degenerative disc/joint disease of the cervical spine is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to unclear self-care function impairment caused by service-connected disabilities versus nonservice-connected cervical spine disability.

The veteran's claims for a higher rating and TDIU were denied, while his request to reopen his cervical spine disorder claim was also denied. The VA found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating or TDIU.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings have been denied. The veteran is already service-connected for migraine headaches, and his low back disorder has a current evaluation of 20%. His left lower extremity neurological manifestations are currently rated at 20%, effective May 3, 2005. His cervical spine disorder does not meet the criteria for an increased rating. His left epididymal cyst is not service-connected.

The veteran seeks service connection for a low back disorder, cervical spine disability, and hypertension. The Board finds that the veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation of his L5/S1 osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, as well as cervical spine osteoarthritis. The RO will schedule a VA examination to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The veteran's cervical spine disability is not rated higher than 30 percent, and his right and left knee disabilities are each rated at the maximum of 20 percent. The veteran was granted separate 10 percent evaluations for limitation of extension in both knees.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and residuals of a chronic lumbar strain, as well as his claim for an increased rating for coccygodynia. The case is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and provide further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and entitlement to an initial compensable rating for residuals of a perforation of the right tympanic membrane, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's duodenal ulcer, confirmed by x-ray examination, first manifested in service and is presumed to have been incurred during active military service within the first year following active service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and right shoulder disability were denied as these conditions are not related to his military service.,For the period prior to March 14, 2008, the veteran was granted a 10 percent evaluation for ulnar entrapment with decreased sensation in the fingers. From that date onwards, he is rated at 30 percent.

The Board found no evidence of current lumbar or cervical spine disorders that were incurred in service. The veteran's complaints are attributed to weightlifting and automobile accidents, but not to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for shoulder and leg disabilities, but granted service connection for bilateral knee disabilities. The issue of increased rating for the cervical spine disorder is remanded.