Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including a bilateral eye disorder, varicose veins of the left lower extremity, gallbladder disorder, diverticulitis (GI Disorder), and right hip disorder were denied. The decision also noted that his period of ACDUTRA did not show any superimposed injury or aggravation of an existing condition.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. The Veteran should also be scheduled for examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD with TBI, traumatic arthritis, right ankle disability with scar, and other disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for right shoulder pain, cervical spine pain, and left knee retropatellar pain syndrome due to a lack of VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for a combined effects medical opinion regarding his service-connected disabilities prior to July 23, 2014.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary to determine the etiology of the appellant's cervical spine disability, including spondylosis. The examiner must address all theories presented and provide an opinion on the onset date if possible.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, and requests that VA attempts to obtain any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not been shown to be of such severity so as to preclude substantially gainful employment, and his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is manifested by no more than Level I hearing impairment in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable rating.,Entitlement to service connection for residuals of cervical spine fusion at C4-5 and lumbosacral spine fusion at L4-5, as well as neuropathy of the right leg associated with these conditions, is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and an examination to determine if the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for hypertension, cervical spine disorder, and left knee disorder were denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s service-connected conditions did not meet or nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,Specifically, the Board determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not manifested by diastolic pressure of predominantly 110 or more or systolic pressure of predominantly 200 or more. The cervical spine disorder did not result in forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, and the left knee disorder did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the cases of cervical spine spondylosis, right knee osteoarthritis, hypertension, and left shoulder and arm disability for further development. The Veteran's claims are not granted as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of djd of the right knee was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a grant of an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and SSA disability records.

The Board dismissed the appeals for numbness in the arms, myofascial pain of the upper back, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For cervical spondylosis with degenerative joint disease, a rating of 30 percent is granted as of October 3, 2017. The other conditions received initial ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance. The increased rating claims for traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine and bursitis of the right shoulder are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for cervical and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, finding no evidence of onset during active service or within one year of separation from service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate opinions and potential need for additional examinations. The issues of service connection for a cervical spine disability, headaches, and TDIU are being reviewed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of both lower extremities as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of both lower extremities as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to undergo VA examinations for his service-connected depressive disorder, cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, and headache disorder due to the lack of recent medical records and examination reports.