Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and cervical spine degenerative arthritis are being remanded due to outstanding treatment records. Service connection for Achilles tendonitis is also pending.

The Veteran's son, J.K., is recognized as a helpless child due to permanent incapacity for self-support before his 18th birthday. The Veteran's neck disorder and right shoulder and elbow disorders are not service connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, neck disability, and circumcision residual scar are etiologically related to his active service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine, cervical spine, and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right elbow disability, left elbow disability, and hearing loss have been remanded due to ambiguity in the evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his bilateral knee condition, neck disability, and PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy was incurred during service and is granted as service connection. However, further examination is needed to determine if any other right shoulder disability is related to service or any other service-connected condition.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and a back/neck disability. The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional development.

The Veteran's acne, cervical spine disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and left shoulder disability are all rated appropriately. The left foot disorder is not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the cervical spine disability and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy claims, and that there was no evidence of a nexus between the disabilities and service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine disability as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder, low back, and right knee disabilities. The issue of service connection for neuropathy of the left upper extremity is also granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine condition is not related to his service or a service-connected disability, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for headache, cervical spine, and lump on the neck disorders have been dismissed. The appeal for service connection of a psychiatric disorder has also been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability and left cubital tunnel syndrome are related to his active service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address his claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be returned to the Board for further appellate consideration if necessary.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. The other service-connected conditions are not rated higher.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and increased ratings for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of sleep apnea or establish that any of these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's hypertension, cervical spine disability, lumbar spondylolisthesis and degenerative disc disease, and right shoulder replacement (dominant) are all rated at their maximum possible evaluations under the applicable diagnostic codes.,The Veteran is not entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another prior to January 1, 2013 or beginning March 1, 2014.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's skin condition, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, or acquired psychological disorder to his active service. The claims were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence to support a connection between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability effective May 17, 2016. The issue remains in appellate status as the maximum schedular rating had not been assigned for the entire period on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hip or ankle conditions, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied. The cervical spine condition claim remains pending.