Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The veteran is seeking a higher initial rating for his cervical spine disability, currently rated at 20 percent. The RO must obtain additional medical evidence and consider the revised criteria for evaluating intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).

The veteran's request for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred during cervical spine surgery was denied as there was no prior authorization and the treatment did not involve a medical emergency.

The Board has determined that the veteran's osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The decision also notes that a more definitive assessment regarding the shoulder disability is needed.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under either the old or new VA rating criteria for varicose veins. The veteran's bilateral varicose veins are currently rated as noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient data in the service medical records or claims folder to state that the cervical spine condition is secondary to the lumbar spine disability. The veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, claimed as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, will be reconsidered.

The veteran is seeking service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand. The Board has determined that a VA examination and additional development are needed to properly adjudicate this claim.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for headaches and compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 (West 2002) for various disabilities are being remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records, lack of proper notice regarding the VCAA requirements, and need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA orthopedic examination and an opinion on whether the veteran's spine disability was aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cervical spine, lumbosacral spine, and shoulder disabilities are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for COPD with a history of TB, inactive, due to his failure to report for a VA examination without good cause shown. The issue regarding service connection for cervical and dorsal spine disorders as secondary to service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease is remanded.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling an orthopedic examination to determine if his neck disability is secondary to his service-connected back disability. The issue of entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability will also be remanded.

The Board has granted the veteran's request to reopen his claim for a cervical spine disability. The secondary service connection issue remains unresolved as no disposition was made.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claim for bilateral pes planus is remanded.

The Board has granted the appellant's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee, right knee, and cervical spine with neck spasms as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to procedural and evidentiary development needs.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was granted, and he is now rated at 50 percent. The claims for increased ratings for the gunshot wounds to the left chest and shoulder were denied. Service connection for a stomach disability other than abdominal cramping due to volvulus of the colon was granted.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for the regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound is remanded due to unclear wishes, possible additional development needed, and consideration of new evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical and lumbosacral spondylosis can be linked to an injury sustained in service, resulting in a full grant of the benefit sought on appeal.

The Board denied the appeals for service connection for an eye disorder and a right shoulder disorder, and remanded other issues to the RO for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and paravertebral muscle spasm, cervical spine. The RO had previously denied these claims in December 1994.