Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board granted increased ratings for the veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral knee disabilities under the criteria for arthritis with limitation of motion. The effective date is not specified as it was awarded in April 2006.

The veteran's neck disability and associated shoulder and upper back pain are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his service.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA orthopedic examination to assess the severity of the veteran's cervical spine injury and to determine if it is possible to separate symptoms of the service-connected cervical strain from those attributable to nonservice-connected cervical disc disease. The claim will be reconsidered based on the updated rating criteria for disabilities of the spine.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine muscle strain, onychomycosis and tinea pedis, and allergic conjunctivitis were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The veteran's request for an increased evaluation of his service-connected cervical C6-7 radiculopathy is being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and additional development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) and other applicable laws, regulations, and case law.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating and earlier effective date for service connection of residuals of a cervical spine injury is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board found that the veteran's current cervical spine condition did not start during service and is unrelated to any in-service injury or a service-connected lumbar spine disability. Therefore, service connection for this condition was denied.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability, cervical spine disability, radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, depression, and genito-urinary disability. The veteran's claims were not supported by competent medical evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The veteran is service-connected for multiple disabilities, including a right shoulder disability rated at 40 percent disabling. The combined rating of his service-connected disabilities is 90 percent, meeting the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, as well as denied service connection for a heart murmur.,There is no evidence of record that supports granting any of these claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle, lumbosacral spine, and cervical spine disorders. The claim for right knee disorder is pending as it may be related to a pre-existing condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are denied. The VA examinations will be scheduled to address his hypertension, right knee disability, and bilateral foot disorder.

The veteran's claim for a temporary total disability rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and Social Security Administration records.

The veteran seeks service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions, including fibromyalgia. The Board has ordered additional development to address the relationship between these conditions and her military service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral arm, hand, right leg, right shoulder, and neck disabilities due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and the veteran's active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine disability characterized as sprain/strain syndrome and degenerative joint disease, finding that there was no in-service injury or chronic condition related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and seeking a new VA medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and hypertension. The evidence did not show that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing due to the retirement of his previous representative.