Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination regarding the severity of the Veteran's cervical spine disability, including during flare-ups. The Veteran will be provided with a new VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding insufficient evidence to link the condition to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding service connection for a cervical spine disability, as well as increased evaluations for lumbar disc surgery and hemorrhoids. The Veteran's claims are not yet resolved.

The Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are granted as service-connected.,Service connection for a neck disability is remanded due to lack of sufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to deficiencies in previous VA examinations and the need for clarification of the Veteran's symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, consistent with his education and work experience.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, carpal tunnel syndrome (left and right arms), and insomnia. The cases are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain, degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine, and DDD of the lumbar spine. The claims are based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board denied service connection for left and right thoracic outlet syndrome, cervical spine disorder, and left elbow disorder as secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for OSA, higher initial evaluations for bilateral ankle disabilities, and an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for right and left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for left eye hypertropia and a TDIU. As such, these issues are dismissed.

The Board remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's cervical spine disability, including flare-ups. The Court also found that a referral for an extraschedular evaluation is warranted due to the exceptional nature of the Veteran’s service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeals for left heel spurs, right heel spurs, and hypertension have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeal.,Tinnitus has been granted as service connected.,PTSD has been granted as service connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to inadequate examination reports and the need for additional medical opinions regarding his right shoulder, cervical spine, and dorsal strain disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder due to new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for a back disability, neck disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded as there is insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine spondylosis and low back disability, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, are remanded. The VA will obtain additional medical evidence, conduct a new examination, and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's back and neck disabilities have not met the criteria for higher disability ratings.,Specifically, his cervical radiculopathy of both upper extremities has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent since April 7, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and inextricably intertwined issues. The cervical spine claim will be adjudicated first, followed by the migraine headaches claim.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine degenerative arthritis and acid reflux disease are denied. The claim for a higher rating for low back disorder is granted, but subject to regulations governing payment of monetary awards.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for cervical strain is remanded due to the need for further evidentiary development, including a new VA examination.