Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete records and potential changes in the Veteran's status.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects any functional impairment, pain, and weakness caused by his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits are denied. The Board found that there is no clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-existing conditions, and the medical opinions did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Board has remanded four issues for further development: service connection for a left big toe disability, service connection for an eye disability (loss of vision), an initial rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease with IVDS, and TDIU. The Veteran's reports of injuries during active duty are key to these claims.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of headaches, cervical spine disability, and bilateral upper extremities neuropathy as there was no prior claim filed before January 26, 2011.

The Veteran's initial claim for a 10 percent rating for his left foot injury has been granted. The Board also remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims and requested additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various disabilities, including hypertension. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension was caused or aggravated by herbicide exposure during service.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no verified in-service stressors. Service connection was granted for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine.

The Veteran's tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder), OSA, migraine headaches, and left knee pain are all granted service connection.,Service connection for right shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, right leg restless leg syndrome, left leg restless leg syndrome, cervical spine osteoarthritis, and left arm radiculopathy is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases due to outstanding VA treatment records and non-VA records that have not been associated with the claims file. The Veteran is asked to provide names and addresses of all medical care providers who have recently treated his spine disabilities.

The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied bilateral hand disability was not granted as new and material evidence has not been received.,Moderate left carpal tunnel syndrome and mild ulnar neuropathy at the wrist and elbow were not service-connected, as they did not have their onset during active service or within one year of discharge.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not begin during service and is not related to any in-service injury or event.

The Board denied a compensable rating for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine prior to August 16, 2011 due to normal range of motion and lack of additional functional loss.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine and upper extremity disabilities have been denied. The current evaluations of 20 percent are appropriate.

The Veteran's cervical spine condition is being remanded for further examination and clarification of the relationship between his service and current disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The decision also granted special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114 (s) from November 21, 2011.

The Veteran was granted service connection for various conditions in August 2001. He appealed to have his son added as a dependent effective from the date of his initial claim, which is August 1, 2001.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, left knee disability, right knee disability, right shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety and depression). The claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of these conditions in service or their relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical strain is remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination. The issues have not been certified to the Board yet.

Service connection for fibromyalgia, IBS, and heart disease has been granted.,Service connection for a left leg disorder, right leg disorder, arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, and arthritis of the cervical spine have been denied.