Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to completion of its appellate review for the claim of an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for a cervical spine disorder.

The veteran's claim for a total disability compensation rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling the veteran for an examination to assess his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for additional medical examination.

The Board found that the veteran's current disabilities were first manifested many years after his discharge from active service and there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to an event in service.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's cervical spine disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The VA has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability, with a history of fracture to C5-6, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 40 percent due to moderate limitation of motion and no neurologic manifestations.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not blind in both eyes, does not require nursing home care due to mental or physical incapacity, and her disabilities do not necessitate regular aid and attendance of another person on a regular basis. The appellant's conditions are deemed insufficient for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The veteran's cervical spine disability and hepatitis B were not found to be related to service. The Board also denied the claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the September 2002 and September 2003 amendments to the rating criteria for his cervical spine disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that her conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or service connection based on secondary to a service-connected condition.

The veteran's cervical spine disorder and thoracic spine injury have been evaluated at the maximum available rating of 30 percent, effective September 1, 2003. The Board found that neither ankylosis nor incapacitating episodes met the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's varicose veins of the left leg are rated at 40 percent, effective April 1, 2001. The head injury residuals and cervical spine arthritis are each rated at 10 and 20 percent, respectively, also effective April 1, 2001.,The veteran's heart disease claim has been reopened but no new rating has been assigned.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's cervical spine disability from May 19, 2005. The right shoulder disability remains at a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board granted the veteran increased ratings for his lumbosacral strain, migraine headaches, left knee instability, right knee DJD, and cervical spine disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disorder was incurred in service, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any current diagnosed disabilities for which service connection may be granted.,All of the issues raised by the veteran were denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical radiculopathy does not warrant a higher initial rating than 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has ordered the VA to locate and associate all service medical records with your claims file. If these records are not found, you will be notified of this decision.