Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine disorder and PTSD were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for clarification of representation, additional evidence collection, and a gynecological examination.

The veteran's cervical spine disability has been rated as noncompensable since November 1, 2004. From June 17, 2005 through January 4, 2007, the disability was rated at 10 percent due to some decreased motion and x-ray evidence of muscle spasm. Since January 5, 2007, the disability has been rated at 20 percent based on x-ray evidence of a reversed lordotic curve with forward flexion limited to 20 degrees.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected cervical spondylosis with HNP and radiculopathy, status post-fusion C6-C7, and ulnar nerve injury of the left arm.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder, low back, and cervical spine disabilities are likely related to injuries sustained during his period of active service.

The Board has determined that additional medical records are needed and that VA examinations should be conducted to determine the etiology of the veteran's claimed disabilities. The case is therefore being remanded for these actions.

The VA determined that the veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease with bulging discs and sprain does not warrant a higher initial evaluation than the current 10 percent rating.

The veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis. The initial rating for cervical spine disability was reduced from 20% to 10%, and the appeal regarding this issue was denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that there is no medical evidence linking the current condition to his military service.

The VA denied an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disability and found that it is related to the veteran's active duty service. The issue of an increased rating for right knee bursitis remains pending.

The Board found no evidence of a generalized anxiety disorder during service or for many years thereafter, and concluded that the current diagnosis is not related to active service. For the cervical spine disability and low back strain claims, the VA examiner determined there was insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has raised the question of whether it had jurisdiction to review the veteran's claim for an increased rating for a cervical spine disorder due to the timeliness of his Notice of Disagreement. The case is being remanded to allow the veteran to provide an oral argument regarding this jurisdictional issue.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any current neck disability and residuals of a lumbar puncture.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability, currently rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's initial disability ratings for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and lumbar strain with sciatic pain have been granted, but both conditions are rated at 10 percent. The rating has been increased to 20 percent effective April 9, 2008.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability, which is the maximum rating provided under the General Rating Formula for service connected disabilities limited to the cervical spine.

The Board found that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine pre-existed service and was not aggravated by active duty, thus denying service connection. The veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's right wrist condition is denied as there is no current diagnosis.,Service connection for a herniated disc, cervical spine, is granted based on continuity of symptoms since service.