Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a statement from M.J.L., PA. The Veteran's claim for a specially adapted housing grant is being returned to the AOJ for further review.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and testimony from the Veteran, requiring additional medical examination for cervical and lumbar spine disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities has been granted a 40% rating effective April 29, 2017.

The Veteran's claims were denied across multiple issues, including service connection for various conditions and ratings for existing disabilities. The appeals are not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, joint pain, muscle cramps, and a skin disability is granted. The claims for irritable bowel syndrome, memory loss, and bilateral hand disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's right knee musculoligamentous strain is currently rated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,PTSD has been granted with an increased rating to 70 percent effective January 2, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability and associated radiculopathy in the bilateral upper extremities have been rated at 40 percent since April 12, 2002.

The Veteran's panic disorder is rated at 30 percent since January 27, 2012.,The Veteran's low back disability has been rated at 10 percent since October 23, 2011. The claim for a higher rating remains pending.,The Veteran's neck disability has been rated at 10 percent since October 18, 2013.,The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy and carpal tunnel syndrome have been rated at 30 percent since October 23, 2011.,The Veteran's digestive disability has not yet reached the threshold for a higher rating.,The Veteran's painful scars have been rated as non-compensable (0 percent).,The Veteran's anemia has not yet reached the threshold for a higher rating.,The Veteran's uterine condition, with secondary voiding dysfunction, has been rated at 30 percent since October 18, 2013.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability due to new evidence submitted. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, and providing an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess the current severity of her service-connected lupus discoid, cervical spine strain, and lower lumbar disc disease.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disorders are related to his military service, but the bilateral knee and foot conditions may not be. The acquired psychiatric disorder is also related to service.,The Veteran has a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder (schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type with psychotic symptoms) that likely had its onset during or is otherwise related to his period of active duty from 1973 to 1979.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to evaluate the current nature and etiology of his claimed cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, sleep apnea, cervical spine stenosis, and migraine headaches have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various joint disabilities, including arthritis of the hands, feet, legs, and shoulders, were granted. The conditions are considered to be due to natural progression or injury during service.

The Board has determined that the effective date for service connection of myofascial pain syndrome of the cervical spine, the neck, and the shoulders should be September 19, 1953, as this is the day following the Veteran's separation from active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and to reopen her claim of service connection for tennis elbow. The Board found no new and material evidence for reopening the tennis elbow claim, and determined that the cervical spine disorder is not related to military service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, bronchial asthma, bilateral hip disability, left knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, back disability, neck disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder are not service connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and neck disabilities are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an updated VA examination to assess his current neck disability.