Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2017

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the etiology of any current cervical and thoracic spine disabilities. The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain may be considered in determining whether these conditions are secondary to his service.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are related to his military service, and he is unable to work due to these conditions. The Board has granted a TDIU from May 29, 2012 to October 30, 2013.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities did not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, cervical spine disability, and headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records related to his service-connected conditions and any new disabilities. The effective date of the award of service connection for anxiety disorder remains without legal merit.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy or CTS.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of any diagnosed cervical spine disorder. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a neck, back, or left knee disability etiologically related to his active duty service.,There is also no evidence of diabetes mellitus, type II in the record.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining updated treatment records.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for cervical strain, a higher rating for lumbosacral degenerative arthritis, and TDIU as the Veteran withdrew her appeal. The issue of an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has found that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are related to service, resulting in a grant of service connection. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his examinations were cancelled due to non-reporting, and his peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was not found to be related to service or secondary to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy have been rated at 20 percent each, but the Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder has been rated at 40 percent since June 2008, but the evidence does not support a higher rating.,Prior to October 25, 2014, the Veteran's cervical spine disorder was rated at 20 percent. As of that date, it is rated at 30 percent.,The Veteran has been granted TDIU effective October 25, 2014, but he seeks an earlier effective date for this benefit.,Service connection for fibromyalgia has not been established.,There are no issues regarding service connection or exposure basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 17, 2005.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, a bilateral sciatic nerve disability, and a cervical spine disability. The RO also denied her increased rating claims for her knees.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from the date of the appeal. His neck disability is rated at 20 percent, also effective from the date of the appeal.

The Veteran's service connection claims for upper extremity disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated treatment records and conducting VA examinations to assess his disabilities. The appeal will be remanded to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back and neck disabilities were not caused or aggravated by a disease or injury in active service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.