Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to his death, and concluded that his PTSD did not substantially or materially contribute to his death. The Board also noted that there was no evidence of suicide attempts related to PTSD.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis and degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine are rated at 20 percent each, meeting the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The TDIU issue is remanded to the AOJ.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for the consideration of additional medical evidence not previously reviewed by the RO.

The Veteran's TMJ disability is not service connected. The Veteran's hyperparathyroidism, cervical spine disability, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities, and anemia are all rated at their maximum levels.

The appeal is being remanded for additional development due to recent changes in the evidence. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered after this new information.

The Veteran withdrew from appellate consideration the issues on appeal, including the increased rating claim for degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, and the service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, glaucoma, bilateral gynecomastia, status post subcutaneous mastectomy, left and right knee disorders, left and right shoulder disorders, a cervical spine disorder, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to July 29, 2003 and increased to 20 percent thereafter. The Veteran's migraine headaches were rated at 10 percent prior to September 6, 2006.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for a new VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his current cervical spine condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities can be decided.

The Veteran's neck, back, cervical radiculopathy, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disorders are not causally related to or worsened by the service-connected right elbow recurrent ganglion cyst.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left leg neurological disability, increased ratings for his lumbar and cervical spine conditions, and a compensable rating for hypertension have all been denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of left leg radiculopathy or any other neurological disorder of the left lower extremity.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly adjudicate the claims of service connection for low back and cervical spine disabilities, as well as the claim for a TDIU rating. The case is REMANDED for the following: 1) Obtain complete clinical records of any hospitalization during service; 2) Secure all private evaluations and treatment records from identified providers; 3) Arrange for an orthopedic examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's low back and cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for multiple spinal and shoulder disabilities, including those allegedly incurred during active duty training (ADT) on June 12, 2004. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the ADT period and obtain relevant medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and readjudication of the claims, including a VA PTSD examination and addendum opinions on GERD, cervical spine, low back, and right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and clarification of her claims, including a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between her cervical spine disorder and service-connected thoracic spine disability. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the cervical spine issue.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and cervical spine disability are being considered for service connection, with the possibility of a grant based on aggravation due to his service-connected disabilities. The effectiveness of any rating assigned is not specified.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment and personnel records, as well as a need for additional examination regarding the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's hydromyelia of the cervical spine was not caused or aggravated by service-connected conditions, including her bilateral knee disabilities. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied, but granted.,Effective from July 20, 2004, the Veteran is now receiving service connection for his low back and neck conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability and right Achilles tendonitis, finding that there was no evidence to support these conditions were incurred in or caused by service.