Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The veteran's cervical spine strain was found to warrant a rating of 10 percent prior to September 26, 2003. From that date forward, the disability warranted a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current cervical spine disability or PTSD, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran's cervical spine disability is related to an in-service injury.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine disability, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to January 9, 2003 and since March 1, 2003.

The Board grants reopening of the claim for service connection for migraine headaches and remands the reopened claim for additional development.

The veteran's cervical strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that he meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's initial rating for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with spondylosis was increased to 30 percent effective June 11, 2007. The veteran is now rated at 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with spondylosis from that date.

The veteran's right shoulder disability was rated at 40% from July 1, 2003 to May 26, 2006 and from August 1, 2006. The left shoulder disorder was rated at 10% from July 1, 2003 to July 6, 2003.,The veteran's cervical strain with arthritis and low back strain were both rated at 20%. There is no rating assigned for the right foot arthralgia.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,The veteran's hiatal hernia and duodenal ulcer are currently rated as noncompensable, but the Board finds that a compensable rating is warranted based on their severity.,The cervical strain with limitation of motion is found to be secondary to service-connected low back disability. The Board grants service connection for this condition.,The veteran's bilateral knee disorder is not considered to be related to his service or any service-connected disability, and the Board denies service connection.

The case is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence without a waiver, and the veteran was notified but did not waive consideration by the agency of original jurisdiction. The RO should readjudicate the claims in light of all pertinent evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability warrants a 30 percent rating, effective from the date of his claim. The evidence did not show marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization due to this condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder disability, neck disability, back disability, and right knee disability have been denied. The Board found that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral shoulder disability. For the other conditions, the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding of service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations for her right shoulder and right knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis and cervical spine disorder, as well as his requests for higher ratings for vitiligo and an earlier effective date. The decision also addressed a claim for a nervous disorder secondary to service-connected vitiligo.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not incur any of the claimed conditions during service or within one year post-service, and thus, they are not related to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities (hypertension, muscle spasms, and headaches) do not meet the criteria for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the veteran's right knee, lower back, and cervical spine disabilities. The claims are being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back disorder.