Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, back disability, neck disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) were denied. The hearing loss claim was granted with a compensable rating.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a cervical spine disability, which he claims is related to injuries sustained during parachute jumps in service. The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his current cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current neck or back disability and finds no evidence to support service connection for either condition. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his claims for higher ratings are not supported by the evidence of record. The VA examinations and treatment records do not provide sufficient information to support a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings.

The Veteran is seeking compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. � 1151 for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident while being transported to and from his VA-provided CWT program. The Board finds that further development, including obtaining information about the Veteran's participation in the CWT program and the van involved in the accident, is needed before deciding these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability, cervical spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral tinnitus.,There is no evidence of a current disability in any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right ilioinguinal neuropathy was denied. The Board also remanded several other claims related to the same incident, including those involving cervical spine disorder, left elbow disorder, left forearm disorder, and left shoulder disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and bilateral knee disabilities are not related to service. The evidence does not establish an in-service injury or event resulting in these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for posttraumatic cervical syringomyelia and assigned a rating of 30 percent. The issues regarding a higher rating for cervical strain with degenerative disc disease and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, cervical spondylosis, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and laparoscopic scar associated with hiatal hernia with GERD render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claims for bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disability, erectile dysfunction, skin condition as due to undiagnosed illness, obstructive sleep apnea, left foot hallux valgus, right foot hallux valgus, low back condition, hypertension, and right shoulder condition.,However, some of these issues have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left posterior cervical fibrous nodule was reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board also remanded the case for additional development regarding her cervical spine disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a rating of 70 percent throughout the appeal period. Service connection for bilateral shoulder, elbow, knee, and foot disabilities, as well as cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are also granted.

The Board denied service connection for back, neck, and bilateral shoulder disabilities.,Service connection was not granted as the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and active duty service.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of a peripheral vestibular disorder as withdrawn by the Veteran.,Service connection was denied for a cervical spine disability due to lack of evidence linking it to service or a service-connected condition.,Secondary service connection was granted for chronic headaches, which are linked to the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability and sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's disabilities and addressing his theory of entitlement to service connection based on a secondary disability.

The Veteran's chronic right scapulothoracic and scapulocervical spine strain with scapulothoracic dysfunction is not manifested by more than moderate impairment of Muscle Groups 1, 2, 3 or 4; he has not had episodes of dislocation of any shoulder joint articulation; neither forward elevation nor abduction have been to less than 90 degrees; and he has not had cervical flexion of 15 degrees or less. Therefore, the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent are not met.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected cervical spine degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be secondary to his service-connected SPS and/or cervical spine disability.,There is no currently diagnosed left hand condition, but the Veteran's reports of pain may be related to his service-connected SPS.