Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The VA denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for his cervical spine condition and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The VA found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under the applicable diagnostic codes, and there was no evidence of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that additional efforts are needed to obtain the veteran's service medical records and other relevant post-service treatment records. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The veteran's Pott's disease of the cervical spine is rated at 60 percent, which meets his request for an increased rating. The compensable rating for surgical scarring and the total rating based on individual unemployability are pending further development.

The Board denied service connection for migraine headaches, heart disease, and cervical spine disability. The veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing a pre-existing condition or aggravation during service.

The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for ankylosing spondylitis of the lumbar segment of the spine prior to August 8, 2005 was denied.,The veteran's claim for increased evaluations for residuals of a right acromioclavicular separation from September 1, 1993, to September 10, 2001 and after September 10, 2001 and prior to August 8, 2005 was denied.,The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hypertension on appeal from initial grant of service connection was denied.,The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hepatitis (including a hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux with history of a gallstone) on appeal from initial grant of service connection was denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and providing proper VCAA notice.

The Board found new and material evidence to have been submitted, but determined that the claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder has not been reopened due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis, cerebral vascular disease, right maxillary sinus lesion, mood disorder, and cervical spondylosis as they are not shown to be due to carbon monoxide poisoning or any other event or incident during his period of active duty for training.

The Board denied service connection for sternum injury, left shoulder tendonitis (left shoulder disability), and cervical spine disability as there was no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board found that the veteran's current diagnoses of arthritis and degenerative disk disease of the cervical spine are not related to his service, including as a result of exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. Service connection was not granted for cervical spine or lumbar spine arthritis, and the compensable evaluation for inguinal hernia residuals and PTSD initial evaluation were also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, cervical spine disability, and lumbosacral spine disability due to a lack of credible evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied service connection for left knee, right knee, left hip, lower back, and neck disabilities as they are not shown to be related to active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not sustain a cervical spine injury in service, and any current degenerative joint disease is not due to service. The left heel disability was also not incurred or aggravated by active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

The RO has rated the veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities at a combined rating of 50 percent, which does not meet the requirements for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including head injury, back disability, shoulder disorders, foot injuries, eye disorder, heart disorder, lung disease, psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, asbestosis, COPD, cervical spine disorder, hemorrhoids, tinnitus, and loss of teeth are not supported by the evidence of record.

The veteran's claim for increased evaluations and an earlier effective date for total disability based on individual unemployability was denied. The VA found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes due to his cervical spine condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar, cervical, and thoracic spine disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing that any disability warranted a rating higher than those assigned.

The veteran's GERD and pseudofolliculitis barbae have been granted initial noncompensable disability ratings, while the cervical spine disability and degenerative changes of the right foot remain unresolved.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing VA medical records and scheduling C&P examinations to address the veteran's hip, leg, eye, ear, and skin conditions.