Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2016

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for a VA examination and remanded the case for compliance with previous directives.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication due to concerns raised by the Court regarding the adequacy of a June 2014 VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded substantially gainful employment since May 1, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is related to his military service. The issue of reopening the previous denial was also addressed, with the Board finding that new and material evidence had been submitted. Service connection for the cervical spine condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing Social Security Administration records and a need for a VA examination regarding the Veteran's sleep disorder. The issues of service connection for various disabilities remain under review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for a VA medical opinion and consideration of new evidence. The appeal is being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for dysesthesia of the face and scalp associated with occipital neuralgia, as his disability was moderate. Service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine and vertigo were also denied due to lack of medical nexus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a videoconference Board hearing. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain inpatient service treatment records, provide the Veteran with VA medical examinations and opinions, and obtain relevant outstanding post-service treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine as secondary to treatment for service-connected ulcerative colitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during active service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for arthritis/degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the thoracolumbar spine, cervical spine, right hand, left hand, right knee, and left knee based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his low back and cervical spine disabilities, right knee disability, or radiculopathy of the lower extremities.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disorders. The AOJ must obtain updated treatment records, provide another examination if necessary, and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability required convalescence following surgery until May 24, 2010. The Board granted an extension of the temporary total convalescence rating to June 1, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of the shoulders, hands, arms, or lower back. The neck and right knee disabilities are denied as not related to service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an eye condition manifested by loss of vision as secondary to diabetes mellitus and granted a 20% disability rating. The claims for bilateral shoulder pain, right and left knee disabilities, and cervical spondylosis have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the TDIU was denied as there is no evidence of any earlier unadjudicated formal or informal claim prior to September 18, 2006 and no factually ascertainable evidence demonstrating entitlement to TDIU prior to March 24, 2010.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding its onset and etiology.