Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right upper extremity disability is not related to his service-connected Hodgkin's disease and does not have a current diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis or subclavian vein occlusion. The preponderance of evidence indicates that the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis is not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected Hodgkin's disease.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate, and thus new opinions are necessary to adjudicate the service connection claims for lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and headache disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and determining whether there are any outstanding inpatient or clinical treatment records from the National Naval Medical Center.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, low back disorder, and associated upper and lower extremity radiculopathy are service-connected.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and neuropsychological disorder) is service-connected.,The Veteran's sleep disorder, fibromyalgia, multiple joint and muscle pain, hemorrhoids, recurrent headaches, cardiovascular disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, respiratory disorder, and left eye injury are not service-connected.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a cervical spine disability. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records, is needed to properly adjudicate his claim.

The case is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disabilities, scoliosis, and any other thoracolumbar disability found (other than osteoarthrosis).

The Veteran's cervical strain and lumbar strain with DJD have been granted an increased rating to 20 percent each after June 2, 2008. The radiculopathy of the right lower extremity has not met criteria for a higher rating.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being associated with the claims file, and a videoconference hearing is scheduled for the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current neck disability or genitourinary disability for which service connection can be awarded.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability and a neurological disability of the left upper extremity, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Board has found that new and material evidence was received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of thoracolumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities. The Veteran is now granted service connection for DDD of the thoracolumbar spine, which he contends was incurred during his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including lumbar and cervical spine disorders, right and left hip disorders, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to insufficient etiology opinions in the previous VA examinations. The Veteran needs to be provided with new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion to address whether each of the Veteran's claimed conditions are related to his active service, and if not, whether they represent undiagnosed illnesses or medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illnesses. The claims will be re-adjudicated based on this new information.

The Veteran does not have established right ulnar or shoulder disability, and the Board finds no evidence of such disabilities during service. Right wrist CTS is established.,Right cervical spine disability has not been established as incurred in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and DJD of the left knee prior to July 11, 2013 were not service-connected or found to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is rated at 60 percent since April 6, 2016.,His stomach disorder (small sliding hiatal hernia) is rated at 30 percent since February 1, 2008 to April 5, 2016. The Veteran's TDIU claim remains on appeal for the period prior to April 6, 2016.