Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The veteran's chronic cervical strain was incurred in service, while his chronic cervical disc herniation was not. The Board has granted service connection for the cervical strain but denied it for the cervical disc herniation.

The veteran's major depression is service-connected as secondary to his service-connected residuals of an amputation of the left thumb. The cervical spine and left shoulder disabilities are not service-connected, but are considered secondary to his service-connected residuals of a partial amputation of the left thumb.

The Board found no evidence of a low back injury in service and concluded that the veteran's current lumbar spine disability is not related to his military service. The cervical spine issue was remanded for further development, including obtaining a medical nexus opinion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for paresthesias of the right arm and status post Arnold-Chiari Type 1 malformation repair with cervical syrinx C5-T1 and radiculopathy, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on incomplete paralysis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability, finding that there is no current evidence warranting a higher evaluation.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his low back strain with degenerative changes is being remanded due to the need for further development and clarification of whether any current neurological symptoms can be solely attributable to the low back disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a tubal ligation, cervical dysplasia, disorder of the cervical epithelium, and cervicitis as there was no evidence to support these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current cervical or lumbar spine disorder, right knee or right leg disorder, or left shoulder disorder that is related to his period of service. The VA examiner found no link between any current disabilities and the veteran's service-connected residuals of a left femur fracture.

The veteran's appeal is for an increased rating for cervical spine disability, and service connection for various other conditions. The current rating of 30 percent for the cervical spine disability remains in effect.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with schizophrenia, memory deficit, insomnia and sleep apnea due to nerves, cervical dysplasia, and endometriosis is denied. The Board found no current disability related to hypothermia in service.

The veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain the veteran's National Guard service records and remand the case for further development. The issues of entitlement to service connection for primary cerebellar degenerative disease and a cervical spine disorder remain on appeal.

The VA determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability, characterized by radiating pain and limited range of motion, does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, back disorder, and depression. The claim for increased evaluation of thoracic outlet syndrome was also denied.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for a chronic back disability other than arthritis of the lumbar spine, arthritis of the shoulders, and arthritis of the lumbar and cervical spine. The veteran's claims are denied.

The Board is remanding the veteran's claims for new and material evidence, service connection, and evaluation issues due to outstanding records and inadequate medical assessments.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination and opinion to determine if the veteran's current cervical neck disability is related to his service-connected residuals, compression fracture of L-1 vertebra, with radiculopathy, right lower extremity. The appeal will be returned to the RO for further review.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain additional medical records and for further development of the claims.

The veteran has withdrawn all issues from appeal, including those related to increased ratings and service connection. The Board does not have jurisdiction to review the appeal as it is dismissed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his left knee disability and service connection for a cervical spine disability. The decision is based on the lack of evidence supporting the requested ratings or connections.