Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease was granted a 20% evaluation effective September 23, 2002. The left heel spurs and GERD with IBS were both granted initial evaluations.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied. He was granted a compensable evaluation for malaria and TDIU.

The veteran's claim of a higher disability rating for his service-connected cervical spine disorder was denied due to failure to report for required VA examinations without good cause. The case is being remanded for the veteran to be afforded another opportunity to appear for necessary VA medical examinations.

The veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional disability due to cervical spine surgery provided by VA in January 1998. The case is remanded for further review and medical opinions.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her service-connected cervical sprain is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the RO did not attempt to obtain the veteran's service personnel records, and thus remands for further development including an official request for these records. The case will be returned to the Board after any additional evidence is obtained.

The Board found that the veteran's arthritis of the cervical spine and cardiovascular disease were not incurred in service, as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board found no evidence of a heart disorder or arthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and hands in service. The veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The veteran is seeking service connection for post-traumatic changes of the cervical and lumbosacral spine, which he claims were caused by an inservice explosion. The Board has ordered additional development to obtain medical records and a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's request for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred from March to May 2001 due to a cervical spine disorder, finding that VA facilities were feasibly available and treatment had been scheduled.

The veteran's claims for secondary service connection for headaches resulting from sinusitis and increased evaluations for her service-connected sinusitis and cervical spine disability prior to October 1, 2001 were denied. The RO confirmed the current evaluation of 30% for sinusitis but did not increase it further. Service connection for degenerative changes to the cervical spine was severed effective October 1, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and left shoulder disability, as well as an increased evaluation for hiatal hernia with epigastritis. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and neck disorder did not begin in service or are related to any incident therein, nor is it proximately due to his service-connected right knee disorder.

The Board found that the veteran's current cervical spine and left shoulder conditions are not related to an injury in service, but rather likely due to aging. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has received notification of the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal, and therefore dismisses the case.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The cervical spine disorder claim is considered 'unknown' as it does not pertain to a specific exposure basis or presumption.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any cervical spine disorders, including whether they are related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for back disorder, anemia, and neck disability. The evidence did not establish a current disability or link to military service.

The veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine was granted, with a current evaluation of 20 percent. The decision is based on moderate limitation of motion and does not involve any service connection theory other than direct service connection.