Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his low back disability was denied. The issue regarding reopening the cervical spine disorder claim has been reopened, but there is no evidence to support service connection. There is also no clear and unmistakable error found in the September 1974 rating decision denying service connection for a low back disability.

The veteran's cervical spine disability, including IVDS and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, is rated at 20 percent under the September 2003 rating criteria. The condition does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied a higher disability rating for the veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current conditions and his service, thus denying all claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that a new spine examination is required to determine whether the veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to service or secondary to his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spondylotic myelopathy and a back injury with foot drop, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or a nexus to service.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to deficiencies in the most recent VA examination, specifically regarding range of motion testing and functional loss. A new VA examination is required.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder and a bilateral foot disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,The veteran's claims for reopening the service connection for lumbar spine, kidney, and sickle cell trait with hematuria were also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed cervical spine and left knee disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board denied service connection for neck and low back injuries, finding no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine, and right knee disability are not related to his period of active duty. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and thoracic spine disabilities, as well as his claim for an increased rating for postoperative residuals of a lumbar disc syndrome. The veteran's current disability ratings remain at 40 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, cervical spine condition, and residuals of concussion. The evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The veteran seeks special monthly pension based on non-service connected disabilities, specifically degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and low back pain. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine if these conditions render him so helpless as to require aid and attendance or permanently housebound.

The Board has determined that the veteran's employment was not marginal and her TDIU rating was terminated effective January 1, 2008.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, as her range of motion is within the limits for a 20 percent rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and arranging for VA examinations to assess the severity of his cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for low back strain, right shoulder disability, and inguinal hernia. The claims are based on direct evidence of in-service injury or disease.

The veteran's initial disability ratings for his neck, left shoulder, and low back disabilities have been denied. The highest rating available under the applicable VA regulations is 20 percent for each condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and an increased rating for his left acromioclavicular joint, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity in service or showing of continuity after discharge. The Board also found that the veteran's current cervical spine disability is not related to his service-connected separation of the left acromioclavicular joint.