Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, right ear hearing loss, and prostate cancer were denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The cervical spine DJD was rated at 30 percent, TMJ dysfunction varied in rating based on interincisal range of motion, dysthymic disorder was rated at 30 percent, lumbar spine DJD with sciatica was not related to service or any applicable presumptive period, and seizures were not incurred in or as a result of active duty service.

The veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional information and evidence regarding his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability.

The veteran's chronic fatigue, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine have been granted service connection as due to an undiagnosed illness. The left ear hearing loss claim remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine and finds that it is presumed to have been incurred during active service. The low back pain, visual impairment, and streptococcal infection are also found to be due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches and determined that a separate evaluation for arthritis of the neck is not warranted. The veteran's residuals of a fractured C6 vertebra with degenerative changes are currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5235.

The Board has determined that service connection is not granted for a right leg disorder due to the lack of evidence linking it to active duty service. The claim for left lower extremity hyperreflexia secondary to cervical myelopathy was also denied as there is no competent medical evidence showing such condition is related to a service-connected disability.,The Board found that while the veteran has a history of head trauma, there is insufficient evidence linking his current right leg disorder or left lower extremity hyperreflexia to active duty service.

The Board denied increased ratings for cervical spine disability, hypoparathyroidism, and postoperative residuals of thyroidectomy. The veteran's TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities were not incurred in service, nor are they related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The veteran's hypothyroidism and hypertension have also been found not to be related to service or any service-connected disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for nasal, throat, eye, neck, and low back disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disorder, including a herniated disc at C6-7, was incurred in service and granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cervical spine disorder is not related to her service, specifically the motor vehicle accident in October 1984. As a result, the claim for service connection for residuals of a cervical spine injury is denied.

The veteran's arthritis of the cervical spine, shoulders, right hip, left hip, and knees are not service connected. However, his degenerative disc disease and spondylosis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10% from July 5, 2002 and increased to 40% from March 4, 2006.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of stressors related to PTSD and obtaining medical records from VA facilities. The veteran's service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disorders are also being evaluated.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with radiculopathy was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach disorder, claimed as secondary to a left knee disorder. However, the claims for right hip disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and cervical spine condition have not been substantiated.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for a cervical strain and entitlement to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his Social Security Administration disability file.

The Board denied reopening the claim of entitlement to compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a neck disability claimed as a result of left ankle surgery performed at a VA Medical Center in July 1984, finding that the additional evidence submitted did not show an etiological relationship between any right knee disorder and the service-connected left ankle fracture residuals.

The Board finds, by resolving all doubt in the veteran's favor, that service connection for a back disability is warranted as it is related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the previously denied service connection claims for cervical spine disability, sinusitis, irritable bowel syndrome, lumbar spine disability with lower extremity paresthesia, dizziness and vertigo, fatigue, fever, cardiovascular disorder (heart racing), cold sores, and night sweats. The claims are granted as presumptively related to Gulf War service exposure.