Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to November 19, 2009 and from November 19, 2009 onwards.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and awarded a 10 percent rating for the residuals of right clavicle fracture. The claim was reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial, which established that the Veteran had current symptoms related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, and he is considered unemployable.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this case as he is no longer alive.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions to address the etiology of his cervical spine disorder and headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to address certain issues.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to determine if the Veteran's current shoulder and neck disorders are related to his period of service. The claim will be returned to the Board after this development is completed.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine has been denied. The evidence does not support an increase in the rating.

The Veteran's neck and back disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations, with no indication of service connection for these conditions. The appeal is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in September 2017.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted a 20 percent rating effective August 14, 2017. The Board found that the Veteran's DDD of the cervical spine warranted a higher initial evaluation prior to this date.

The Board has granted service connection for a depressive disorder and denied the remaining issues on appeal. The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be etiologically related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his back disabilities. The neuropathy claims are also inextricably intertwined with the back claims.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals for the issues of service connection for right wrist, cervical spine, lumbar spine, and right knee disabilities. The Board does not have jurisdiction to review these appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of various conditions, including right hand disorder, left hand disorder, cervical spine strain, and migraine headaches, have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's back and neck disabilities have been granted service connection. The initial increased rating for headaches has also been granted, effective May 21, 2014.,Headaches are currently rated at 50% since May 21, 2014, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 8100.

The claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, and headaches have been reopened.,The claims for service connection for myopia/astigmatism, bilateral knee disability, back disability, onychomycosis/dermatophytosis, neck disability, and scars on both sides of the nose were not reopened.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is found to have aggravated his currently diagnosed neurological disability of the bilateral upper extremities, including carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. As such, the Board grants service connection for these disabilities.

The Board has ordered additional development for the service connection claims and TDIU issue. The Veteran's cervical spine disability and neurological disorder of the hands are being reviewed, along with his claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with the effective date being determined by the Court's remand. The Veteran was assigned a rating of 30 percent for right upper radiculopathy from August 24, 2017 onwards.