Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The veteran's weight gain is service-connected as secondary to her service-connected amenorrhea. However, the joint pain and muscle pain in the left shoulder and cervical spine are not service-connected due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has determined that the veteran's testimony of in-service surgical procedures and current symptomatology provides sufficient evidence to grant service connection for an incisional scar on his abdomen. The cervical spine disability is also granted, with a determination made based on credible testimony and medical evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left arm, left shoulder, neck, and low back disabilities based on a finding that they were not well-grounded.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine and psychiatric disorders are not at least as likely as not related to his period of active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's calcific tendinitis of the bilateral elbows and acquired cervical spine disorder are related to his active duty service.

The veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical and thoracic spine is rated at 60 percent, which is the maximum rating allowed under Diagnostic Code 5293.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, migraine headaches, and thoracic impingement syndrome. The veteran's left scapula myofascial syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent since January 1993, and her bilateral hearing loss remains noncompensable.

The veteran died of a ruptured abdominal aneurysm. The Board found that the cause of death was not service-connected and denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for recurrent right knee sprain, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for chorioretial atrophy of the eyes, and an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine. The case is remanded to obtain updated medical records and conduct further examinations.

The Board granted a 40% evaluation for chronic low back strain effective August 28, 1995. The veteran's claim for residuals of a fracture of the left zygoma was not supported by evidence showing it is related to his service-connected condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cervical spine injury, finding that there is no evidence to support such an injury during military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability and chest pain are not related to service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service. The medical opinions provided do not support a connection between these disabilities and service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, prostate disorder due to agent orange exposure, and residuals of a skin disorder including chloracne, skin cancer, and acne. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board finds that the veteran developed a psychiatric disorder secondary to his service-connected low back disorder and grants service connection for this condition. The issue of an increased rating for the low back disability is remanded due to lack of recent examination.

The veteran's cervical dysplasia with endometriosis is productive of pain and irregular bleeding that is not controlled by treatment, warranting a 30% evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on a need for regular aid and attendance of another person, or being housebound.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed spinal disabilities are related to his active military service, granting service connection for osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine.

The veteran's cervical strain with lipoma was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor is it related to the service-connected bilateral lymphedema of the lower extremities.,From December 9, 1974 to October 21, 1980, the criteria for a compensable rating were more favorable to the veteran's claims.

The VA denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for his left knee and cervical spine disabilities, finding that the current evaluations of 10 percent are appropriate based on the clinical findings.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied as it is not factually ascertainable that he was entitled to a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to November 26, 1996.