Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's right knee instability, lumbar strain, and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine do not warrant evaluations in excess of the currently assigned 10 percent ratings.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for pulmonary tuberculosis and service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that there is no nexus between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic left ankle sprains and chronic cervical strain with headaches are denied as there is no evidence to support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for allergic asthmatic bronchitis, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under either the old or new VA rating criteria. The issues of evaluating cervical and lumbar spine myositis are deferred pending adjudication of service connection for cervical and lumbar disc disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic lumbar strain and chronic cervical strain, but denied a compensable rating for residuals of a left hand fracture.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the cervical spine. Additional development is required to determine if the veteran's current condition was incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for compensation pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for right shoulder and cervical spine disabilities due to a significant change in the law brought about by the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected traumatic arthritis of the cervical spine, which is the maximum schedular rating provided under Diagnostic Code 5290.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for his right hip condition and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The evidence did not support higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, left knee, and neck disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's service-connected cervical strain with myalgia is granted a rating in excess of 30 percent, and his additional service-connected degenerative joint disease, spondylosis, and foraminal stenosis of the cervical spine with radiculopathy are found to be directly related to service.

The veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple issues was denied. The cervical spine fracture at C3-4 is rated as noncompensable, and the veteran's other claims were not well-grounded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the severity of the veteran's lumbosacral sprain and to provide an opinion on the etiology of any cervical spine disorder found.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the reinstatement of his compensation benefits was denied as there is no legal basis to award such a date prior to June 1, 1998.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for his service-connected gunshot wound of the left arm and shoulder, and service connection for degenerative joint disease (DJD) of both shoulders and the cervical spine as secondary to that disability.

The veteran's anxiety neurosis is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating adequately reflects his current level of disability.

The veteran is in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person due to his left lower extremity weakness resulting from cervical and lumbosacral spine surgery. He qualifies for special monthly pension at the rate provided by 38 U.S.C.A. § 1521(d).

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection due to new and material evidence. The Board also found that a cervical spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease, was incurred during active service.

The Board has granted a 60% rating for the service-connected cervical spondylosis, status post fusion. The claim for an increased rating for tendonitis of the left elbow is denied.