Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board dismissed the appeal of the cervical spine disorder claim and granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for a rating of 40 percent for left carpal tunnel syndrome with thenar eminence atrophy is granted. The issue of service connection for cervical spine disability is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether it is related to slamming his head against the driver’s door window during his in-service car accident.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bradycardia, cervical strain, and low back condition are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's right upper extremity neuropathy, right elbow tendinitis, and cervical strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine are granted as secondary to his service-connected right shoulder DJD with tendinitis. The claims for an evaluation in excess of 60 percent for right shoulder DJD with tendinitis and service connection for DJD of the lumbar spine have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's cervical disc disease and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine are granted service connection, with a rating of 70 percent for generalized anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's depression is granted as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The cervical spine disability is denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis or event, and the thoracolumbar spine disability is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, chronic low back condition, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and sleep apnea is granted. The claim for secondary service connection for headaches is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it was related to in-service personal assault. The issues of increased ratings for cervical strain with traumatic arthritis, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity are remanded.

The Board has remanded all issues on appeal due to the need for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining updated medical records.

The Veteran's cervical spine laminectomy with DDD resulted in a rating of 30 percent effective April 12, 2018.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar disc diseases are each rated at 20 percent, effective June 5, 2012. The radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities is also rated at 20 percent, effective June 5, 2012.,PTSD with depression is rated at 50 percent, effective throughout the duration of the appeal.

The Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of June 24, 2013 due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board granted TDIU on an extraschedular basis from that date.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a bilateral eye disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis related to either eye and no evidence of an in-service event or injury. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosed disability of either eye.,Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is denied as there is no evidence of limitation of motion, muscle spasm, or abnormal gait/seated posture resulting from this condition.

The Veteran's back brace caused wear and tear on his clothing, leading to a clothing allowance for 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and left knee disability. The claims of service connection for back disability, neck disability, and right knee disability are denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability has been dismissed as he withdrew the appeal in February 2018.

The Board has denied service connection for rectovaginal fistula and remanded other claims due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of records and examination reports. The Veteran's claims for service connection are related back to his military service, but further evidence is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the entire appeal period, with marginal employment established as of February 15, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as she withdrew her claims of entitlement to service connection for myopia, chronic chest pain, fluid in the central mediastinum, fatty liver, and abnormal cervical cells. The Board granted service connection for mild tricuspid valve regurgitation, sinus bradycardia, and arrhythmia.