Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran has established the requisite service for nonservice-connected benefits and is eligible for VA nonservice-connected pension benefits. The overpayment of pension benefits was not properly created.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability caused or aggravated his cervical spine disability and addressing the issue of direct service connection for his headaches.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing records and failed VA examinations, and the claim for memory loss needs separate development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, back disability, and neck disability are granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues of service connection for plantar fasciitis, increased ratings for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder have all been dismissed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a cervical spine disorder. The Veteran's statements regarding in-service injury and post-service continuity, along with available STRs and an August 2010 orthopedic evaluation, raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection for various conditions are still pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder is related to his military service, including carrying heavy equipment and weapons. The remaining claims for other conditions are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to substantiate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining STRs and corroborating his account of events during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, effective January 24, 2013. The Veteran's claims for other conditions remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, cervical muscle strain on the right side, bruxism, and headaches were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's neck disability and bilateral hearing loss, as well as to schedule new VA examinations for these conditions. The appeal will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, neck disability, and psychiatric disability are service-connected. The claims for a TDIU rating have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected neck injury was granted, with an evaluation of 10 percent prior to October 25, 2011. Since then, he has been rated at 20 percent for the period since October 25, 2011.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, musculoskeletal issues, eye problems, and gastrointestinal issues. The Board has determined that further medical examination and opinion are necessary to address the nature and etiology of these claims.,The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus have also been remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted, but his cervical spine and bipolar disorder claims were denied.

The Veteran's conditions, including diabetes and its related complications, are not service connected. The Board denied the claims for service connection based on lack of evidence showing onset or causation in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a cervical spine disorder due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of his claim for a bilateral ankle disability. The remaining conditions are associated with fibromyalgia.