Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's migraine headaches, seizure disorder, and first cervical nerve disorder are proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left knee disability.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, effective prior to June 6, 1996.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for the veteran's claimed jaw, neck, left arm, or low back disabilities. The claims were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence to support a finding that these conditions were incurred in service.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for chronic cervical strain from April 4, 1995 to July 23, 2000 and a 30 percent evaluation for chronic right trapezius and pectoralis muscle strain and right shoulder tendonitis since July 24, 2000.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for arthritis of the cervical spine and postoperative left hernia repair were denied. The VA determined that a rating in excess of 20 percent for the cervical spine condition was not warranted, while the postoperative left hernia repair did not necessitate a compensable evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine disorder and lumbosacral strain are not related to service, and denied both claims for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his service-connected left ankle disability or any other condition in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's neck and low back disabilities are not service-connected, but have been caused by his service-connected right hip disability.

The veteran's service connection claims for left biceps tendonitis, right knee condition, left shoulder condition, low back pain, and headaches have been granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine arthritis and duodenal ulcer disease were denied by the RO in December 1995. The Board is remanding this issue to ensure that a Statement of Claim (SOC) has been issued.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral eye disorder. The issue of cervical spine disability, secondary to a service-connected right shoulder disability, is pending and will be addressed in a separate decision.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for VA pension purposes was denied due to his failure to report for scheduled examinations without explanation, and the evidence did not show that his innocently acquired disabilities rendered him permanently and totally disabled.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations for her low back, right knee, left knee, right foot, and right hip conditions. The appeals were based on direct service connection without any presumption or secondary theory.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disorder is related to an injury in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's anxiety/depression is rated at the highest possible evaluation of 70 percent, while his cervical spine disability and low back strain are each rated at 20 percent. The bilateral knee strain and irritable bowel syndrome do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the left knee, effective April 13, 1992. The claim for service connection for multiple joints including ankles, right knee and cervical and thoracic spine remains unresolved.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder, neck, low back, and leg problems as secondary to his service-connected partial amputation of the distal middle finger. The VA examiner found no evidence that these conditions were related to the service-connected disability.

The veteran's claim for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and/or adaptive equipment for an automobile is denied as he does not meet the criteria set forth by VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the appellant's current condition is not related to his service-connected low back disability.