Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's OSA was not incurred in service and is not related to a service-connected disability.,A cervical spine disability was not incurred in service and is not related to a service-connected disability.,Service connection for bilateral knee gouty arthritis as secondary to service-connected gout is granted.,Service connection for left ankle gouty arthritis as secondary to service-connected gout is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left upper extremity neuropathy, a cervical spine disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to potential issues with medical opinions and need for further development.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including left shoulder, collarbone, cervical spine, right ankle, bilateral big toe, and right foot disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including for service connection and increased rating issues. The Veteran will need updated VA examinations and verification of his Reserve duty periods.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection for headaches, as these issues remain unresolved due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the issue on appeal due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the cause of the Veteran's cervical spine disorder.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for a lumbar spine/back condition, cervical spine/neck condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, and TDIU are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's low back disability is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and inadequate VA examination.,The Veteran's sinusitis is remanded as there are no records of treatment during service, but the Board finds a need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal concerning his cervical spine condition is dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disability and peptic ulcer disease due to insufficient evidence in their current evaluations, requiring further examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss was reopened and granted. The appeal regarding the cervical spine condition was withdrawn by the Veteran prior to a Board decision.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, left arm and hand disabilities, and right arm and hand disabilities are all granted service connection. The issue of an increased evaluation for the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the right knee is remanded.

The claim for service connection for atrial fibrillation has been reopened and granted. Service connection is also granted for a left hip disability, but the other issues have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran's current cervical cancer is related to her in-service cervix complaints.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus as the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and there was no evidence of herbicide exposure. The claim for TDIU is also remanded due to lack of information on employment status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck disability, including cervical spinal stenosis with degenerative disc disease (DDD), intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and left cervical radiculopathy, is related to his active duty service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for osteoporosis, mood disorder, and a neck disability. The claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the issue of an earlier effective date for the right knee disability. The issues of service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, dermatitis, and neuropathy disabilities as there was no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and active service.

The Board has determined that new evidence has been added to the record and must be considered. The issues are being remanded for further action.