Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative joint disease of the cervical and lumbar spine is not related to military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and special monthly pension based on aid and attendance/housebound status. The claim for service connection was denied due to lack of new and material evidence, while the claim for special monthly pension was denied as the veteran did not meet the criteria for either aid and attendance or housebound status.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected cervical spine injury with degenerative joint disease and radiating arthralgia to the right shoulder is being remanded due to the need for a supplemental statement of the case addressing the issue.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to arthritis contributing to an abdominal aneurysm rupture. The issue of DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as moot.

The veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected herniated discs of the cervical spine. The Board has determined that further development, including additional examinations and consideration of new evidence, is necessary before a final decision can be made.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor could they be presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to Agent Orange or other environmental factors. The diagnoses of degenerative joint disease and spondylosis are consistent with wear and tear from strenuous activities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical opinions and evidence. The veteran's claims of service connection for a cervical spine disability and headaches are on appeal, as is his claim for increased ratings for his lumbosacral strain.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for specially adaptive housing, special home adaptation, and aid and attendance benefits due to conflicting opinions and incomplete medical records.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine disability due to new and material evidence. The case is being remanded to obtain VA medical records, clarify the location of back pain treatment by a private physician, and determine if the veteran qualifies for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical disc disease and right shoulder myositis do not warrant a higher disability evaluation based on current medical evidence.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including specialized examinations and review of relevant records.

The veteran's cervical spine disorder is rated at 20 percent under the old criteria for intervertebral disc syndrome, which approximates the criteria for moderate disability. The residuals of a fracture of the left foot are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability related to his period of active duty service for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine arthritis with myofascitis, headaches, or urinary frequency. The evidence is insufficient to establish service connection for any of these conditions.

The appellant's service was less than 90 days and he did not meet the requirements for a VA pension due to having a pre-existing condition that existed prior to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine the current severity of the veteran's heart and hypertension disorders, as well as his scar, keloid, left hand condition. Additionally, a dermatology examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of the veteran's skin disorder other than the scar on his left hand. The cervical spine and low back disability claims are also remanded for further development.

The veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, and the evidence does not show that a service-connected disability contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The veteran appealed for increased ratings and service connection for various disabilities, including low back disability. The appeal was dismissed due to the veteran's death.

The Board has granted a TDIU rating, effective from May 5, 1999.

The Board determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or due to housebound status.

The Board denied a total disability compensation rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, and did not find clear and unmistakable error in this decision.