Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for an automobile allowance and specially adapted equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to address the relationship between his service-connected right little finger crush injury with residual scar and his claimed carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's IBS disability has been rated at 10 percent and denied a higher rating on an extra-schedular basis.,The Veteran's cervical spine DJD disability has been rated at 10 percent (February 1, 2005 to April 12, 2010) and 20 percent (from April 12, 2010), and denied a higher rating on an extra-schedular basis.

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities are granted, with the cervical spine rated at 20% effective November 18, 2013, and the thoracolumbar spine rated at 40%. The rating is based on the current functional limitations of the spinal joints.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and cervical spine disability, finding that new and material evidence was submitted. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains denied as no new and material evidence was presented.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of the currently assigned disability ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and clarifying whether the Veteran is requesting increased ratings or effective date changes.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with previous instructions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The issue must be further evaluated by a VA examiner.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before a decision can be reached on the merits of the Veteran's claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the shoulder and neck due to new evidence provided since the last denial. The issue is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's neck disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and his right upper extremity peripheral nerve dysfunction is rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating based on current evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues, including service connection for various conditions and a TDIU. The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain SSA records, service personnel records, and VA examinations for the ear disability, head trauma, and human bite claims. Additionally, a VA examination is required to address the left shoulder disorder and cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to schedule her for a new VA examination. The purpose of the examination is to determine the current severity of her cervical spine disability, its impact on her ability to work and daily activities, and whether she has radiculopathy in her upper extremities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and an addendum opinion to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spinal stenosis, kidney cancer residuals, and pulmonary disability. The issues are still pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, right knee, right elbow, and left elbow is secondary to his service-connected Reiter's syndrome. The initial ratings for these conditions have been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, including degenerative joint disease, did not have its onset in service or within one year of separation and is not related to his period of active duty. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a neck injury, to include cervical spine arthritis is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and provide an updated opinion regarding the etiology of his current cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions, including PTSD, chronic fatigue syndrome, and undiagnosed illnesses. The case is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was received to reopen the tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disability, right and left knee disability, left and right ankle disability, right and left wrist disability, and vertigo claims. However, hypertension and sleep apnea were not shown during or within one year after service and there is no competent medical opinion linking these conditions to service.