Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for dry mouth and bilateral CTS, as well as various rating claims. The Veteran's hallux valgus, pes planus, cervical spine conditions, and shoulder separation were all rated appropriately.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder and TDIU based on his multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism has been remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of her digestive symptoms. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating for hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is granted, with an initial rating of 20 percent. The right arm disability has been rated at 30 percent since January 30, 2012.

The Veteran's cervical spine dystonia, torticollis, and torsion dystonia fragment syndrome is considered to be incurred in service due to a fall during active duty.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder and denied increased ratings for the lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability from April 4, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines are now rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The claims for increased ratings for cervical strain and thoracolumbar strain remain pending, as does the claim for an increased rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evidence. The initial evaluation for cervical spine disability remains denied, while an initial evaluation higher than 20 percent for lumbar spine disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to insufficient evidence or inadequate examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to May 5, 2010, meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain with spondylosis is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient information provided by his private physician regarding the etiology of his claimed disabilities. The examination must address whether any current disability is related to active service, including physical training and injuries sustained during service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted at a 50% rating prior to September 15, 2015. The claim for increased rating of the left shoulder disability and service connection for neck disability (secondary to left shoulder disability) are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection due to lack of communication from the Veteran prior to September 25, 2013.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, but denied them as new and material evidence was not received within one year of the March 2003 rating decision.

The claim of service connection for asthma was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (adjustment disorder with depressed mood) is granted, linked to the Veteran's service-connected conditions.,Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a neck injury sustained in October 2003 while at a VA Domiciliary Program was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his cervical spine disability was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's TBI and headaches are granted service connection. The cervical spine disorder is remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are necessary to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected left and right knee disorders, cervical spine disorder, and Berger’s disease with renal stones due to the Veteran's contention of worsening symptoms.