Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities on his employability and referral for extraschedular TDIU consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and further evaluation of his service-connected cervical spine disorder and lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's neck disability is found to be service-connected, and his claim for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is secondary to his service-connected neck disability. The Board finds that he has not provided sufficient evidence or argument to support reopening of his claim for gunshot wound residuals.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied across the board. The Board found that none of his service-connected conditions met the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate examination reports and need for clarification on service connection issues.

The Board has granted service connection for gastritis with duodenitis and gouty arthropathy of the feet, but denied service connection for a cervical spine disability due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to new and material evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a new VA examination to assess her ability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including associated radiculopathy of the bilateral extremities, is currently rated at 30 percent disabling. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms do not meet or approximate criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is currently evaluated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that an evaluation in excess of this rating is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine and low back disabilities did not manifest until more than one year after service, are not related to service, and were not aggravated by a service-connected right shoulder disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a ganglion cyst of the right wrist was granted. The remaining issues on appeal are related to his PTSD, hypothyroidism, and back disability.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for residuals of a back injury, headaches, and bilateral flat feet due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being returned to the AOJ for scheduling a videoconference hearing. The issues of entitlement to a higher rating for right knee disability and service connection for neck disability are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective from September 26, 2005.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for cervical arthritis due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and a cervical spine disability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the criteria for TDIU are met.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is found to be etiologically related to his in-service parachuting accident, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical and lumbosacral spine conditions are related to his service, specifically a motor vehicle accident in July 1993. The VA examiner opined that it is less likely than not that these conditions were caused by this incident.