Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability, cervical spine disability, bilateral arm and leg disabilities are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing their onset or aggravation during his military service.

The Board granted service connection for cervical spondylosis with cervical disc disease, finding that the veteran's current disability is more likely than not related to his in-service injury. The other claims are pending and need further development.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's cervical spine disability. The case is now being sent back for additional evidence and consideration.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected compression fracture of the cervical and dorsal spine is being remanded due to procedural issues related to notification and development under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and other relevant regulations.

The veteran's cervical spine disability was initially rated at 0 percent, retroactively effective from March 24, 1995. It was increased to 20 percent effective August 29, 2000, and further increased to 30 percent effective August 24, 2002.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's cervical lymphadenopathy. The case is now remanded for additional evidence and examination.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his service-connected conditions do not warrant a higher evaluation based on the current evidence of record.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for disabilities of the cervical and lumbosacral spine, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that could be linked to his current conditions.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for endometriosis and denied the claims for increased ratings for back strain and cervical strain. The veteran's endometriosis is manifested by pelvic pain and heavy bleeding not controlled by treatment, warranting a higher initial rating of 30 percent.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for the veteran's low back disorder and cervical spine disorder, with a medical opinion supporting this determination.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss, gastrointestinal disorder, sinusitis, cervical spine disorder (neck injury), left elbow disorder, left shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, or left ankle disorder. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and records to determine the severity of his cervical spine disability and postoperative scar of the left shoulder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities, including left wrist and leg/knee injuries, cervical spine disorder, and lumbar spine disorder, are not related to service.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected cervical spine disorder, and denied an initial compensable rating for his left shoulder disorder.

The veteran's myositis of the cervical paravertebral and upper back muscles is currently rated at 10 percent, but his disability does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence provided.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and low back disorder as secondary to his service-connected residuals of a left tibia and fibula fracture. The claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder is pending due to conflicting evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability warrants a 30 percent evaluation from May 20, 2002 to September 22, 2002. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 30 percent since September 23, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine, bilateral shoulder, and low back disorders. The claim to reopen a left knee disorder was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's thoracic and cervical spine strains are related to service, granting their claims for service connection.