Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a cervical spine disability. The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are found to have begun in service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected cervical spine and lumbar myositis with a bulging disc are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations in compliance with Correia v. McDonald (2016).

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and an effective date prior to April 4, 2014, for a 70% rating of PTSD. The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease and facet arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar spine disability and for TDIU. The remand is due to inadequate VA examinations, lack of proper notice regarding TDIU, and need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, lumbar spine, and cervical spine. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to in-service events.

The Veteran's cervical spine condition is currently rated at 20 percent, and a higher rating is being remanded due to the need for additional examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various spine and joint disorders, including cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hip disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and bilateral shoulder disorder. The case is sent back to VA for further development and examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation from December 19, 2006 to December 18, 2007. The Board will remand the issues for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, a cervical spine disability, and a low back disability have been reopened. The claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence supports that his PTSD is related to in-service stressors. Service connection is also granted for the cervical spine disability due to its relation to an in-service event. However, the Veteran's low back disability cannot be linked to service.

The Board has decided to remand two issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The first issue is about his right wrist sprain, and the second is about his degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to provide medical records from his private doctors, and a VA examination will be conducted.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected conditions, including his adjustment disorder and various musculoskeletal issues, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His combined rating is at the maximum level.

The Board has granted service connection for neck arthritis. The issues of bilateral hip pain, knee pain, ankle pain, and headaches secondary to neck arthritis are remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for substance abuse, secondary to PTSD and increased rating for service connected PTSD. The Veteran's appeal for a 10 percent rating for his left thumb scar from November 4, 2009 to September 28, 2015 was granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine and left shoulder disorders are granted as service connected because they are linked to injuries sustained during active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of cervical spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities. The claim for increased rating of right hip disability was also denied.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the issues of service connection for lumbosacral spine DDD, cervical spine DDD, and cervical radiculopathy. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide a new VA examination.

The Veteran's left arm numbness is granted as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder disability.,A 20 percent rating for the Veteran’s left shoulder disability is granted effective November 13, 2008.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board denied an increased evaluation, finding that the evidence did not show limitation of motion to less than 15 degrees in forward flexion or a combined range of motion less than 170 degrees.,Service connection for sleep apnea was denied because there was no medical evidence linking it to the service-connected cervical spine disability. The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea is more likely due to other factors such as age, weight, and family history.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and gastroesophageal reflux disease with diverticulosis are currently rated, but the Board has remanded these issues for further development.