Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and elbow DJD, lumbar spine DDD, and cervical spine DDD. The appeal of his increased rating claims are dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the denials of service connection for various disabilities and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for thoracic and cervical spine disabilities have been denied.,Separate rating claims for neurological abnormalities associated with service-connected cervical and thoracic strain are also denied.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and cervical spine disorder. However, these claims are still pending as they need further examination to determine their etiology.

An initial 10 percent rating for right little finger disability is granted, subject to the regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.,Entitlement to an initial rating higher than 10 percent for cervical spine degenerative disc disease is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and the need to clarify whether the Veteran is receiving Social Security Administration benefits. The claims will be further evaluated based on new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been denied, including for his lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities. The TDIU claim was granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and examination regarding his service-connected disabilities, including a pain-based disability of the toes, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, patellofemoral syndrome of the knees, and SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disability, bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, and acquired psychological disorder (claimed as memory loss) due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and left knee strain as these conditions are not related to service.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability and thoracolumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses do not meet the criteria.,The evidence did not show a current diagnosis of a thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disorder is being remanded due to outstanding private treatment records and the need for an addendum opinion from the VA examiner.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any claimed conditions and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. As such, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's MDD with mild neurocognitive disorder and TBI is rated at 100 percent, effective from the date of claim. The right maxillary sinusitis was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The lumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability were not incurred in or aggravated during service.

The Veteran's bladder and bowel dysfunction and mild foot drag are considered manifestations of his service-connected cervical spine disability, arthritis with spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and cervical cord myelopathy/myelomalacia.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer residuals, gastroesophageal disorder (GERD), hiatal hernia, and Barrett's esophagus was granted. The issues of service connection for thyroid disorder, cervical myofascial pain syndrome, defective vision, and bilateral shoulder disorders were also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder was reopened due to the submission of new medical evidence. The claims for cervical spine condition, circulatory problems, and right knee disorder were denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's cervical spine impairment, degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, and headaches are all found to be related to her service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral hip disability and the assignment of TDIU prior to September 4, 2015. The Veteran's current hip disability is not related to his service-connected disabilities or an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his L1 vertebral fracture with lumbar spondylosis and cervical spine injury with cervical spondylosis are being remanded due to the need for additional information regarding incapacitating episodes, flare-ups, and further examination.