Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board found no etiological relationship between the veteran's cervical spine disorder and her service-connected low back disorder. The low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, musculoskeletal tension headaches, and a right hand disorder characterized as numbness of the ulnar nerve. The VA has determined that these conditions are not related to military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The veteran died due to coronary artery disease and cervical stenosis, but his service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death. The claim for eligibility to dependents' educational assistance (DEA) under Chapter 35 was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected lumbar and cervical paravertebral fibromyositis do not warrant increased ratings as they currently result in moderate limitation of motion.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for chronic lumbosacral strain and found service connection for thoracic spine disorder. Service connection for cervical spine disorder was denied.

The Board is unable to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's claimed conditions, as well as their relationship to his service-connected condition. The issues are therefore considered mixed.

The Board finds that the veteran's currently diagnosed chronic cervical strain, muscle spasm, and degenerative disc disease of C5-C6 are etiologically related to service. The residuals of head injury are not currently demonstrated.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic headaches and increased evaluations for his right shoulder, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disabilities due to failure to report for a necessary VA examination. The claim of PTSD is remanded as additional information regarding the veteran's claimed stressors is needed.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the veteran's death.

The Board found that the veteran's injuries were due to his own willful misconduct, as evidenced by his admission of drinking too much alcohol and driving too fast.

The appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of the veteran's claims, including obtaining a complete rationale from VA examiners and recent treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to changes in the law brought about by the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000, requiring additional development and consideration.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including narcolepsy, carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist, tendonitis (claimed as left arm pain), hypertension, sinus bradycardia, lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease and sciatica, and cervical degenerative joint disease. The appeal is denied.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed because he did not file a timely Substantive Appeal within the required time limits.

The veteran's unauthorized medical services at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center on July 19, 1999 were reimbursed by the VA because they involved his service-connected conditions and there was a medical emergency that required immediate treatment.

The Board has determined that the veteran submitted new and material evidence to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for a neck disability, as he now has current disability from cervical spondylosis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen these claims.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of a back injury (claimed as lumbar and cervical spine disorders) due to new medical evidence submitted since the 1984 rating decision. The claim is now considered for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine arthritis, lumbar spine arthritis, and left knee degenerative changes based on the opinion of a VA physician who reviewed the claims folder and remaining service medical records.

The Board has remanded the case to ensure full compliance with due process requirements and for a new videoconference hearing. The veteran's claims of service connection for a cervical spine disorder and an evaluation higher than 40 percent for a low back disorder are pending.