Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but the Board has found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating. Other service-connected disabilities are also remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded seven issues on appeal, including service connection for various conditions. The Veteran's claim for skin condition is reopened due to new and material evidence.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea, a cervical spine disability, and thyroid cancer. The decision also restored the 50% rating for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination and requested a new VA examination. The Veteran's claim for increased rating of intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is also being remanded.

The Veteran's petition to reopen her claim for service connection for a right shoulder condition is granted. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received, but the claims are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, left shoulder, and right shoulder disabilities due to lack of recent VA examinations and new evidence added to the file. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a neck disability, migraine headaches including as secondary to a neck disability, an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent disabling for PTSD, and entitlement to TDIU due to lack of medical evidence and need for updated examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for neck disability, bilateral pes planus (claimed as bilateral foot injury), thoracic kyphoscoliosis (claimed as a back injury), anxiety disorder not otherwise specified also claimed as depression, and headache disorder due to additional development being required.

The Board has remanded two issues: rating for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine on and after May 6, 2011; and rating for torn anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee with instability. The Veteran must be provided new examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine are not service-connected.,The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is currently rated at 30 percent.

Service connection is granted for a cervical strain disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depressive disorder, anxiety, and mood disorder).,The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, left foot disability, and bilateral pes planus were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claims for these conditions are being remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep hypopnea, specifically whether it is related to service or secondary to medications for his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew all issues on appeal, including those related to service connection for various disabilities. As a result, the Board dismissed these claims.

The Veteran's appeals for fibromyalgia, bilateral neurological disability of the upper extremities (likely sciatica), and other service-connected conditions have been dismissed. The issues of higher ratings for lower back and cervical spine disabilities are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The cases of hypertension, bilateral hearing loss disability, gamekeeper's thumb, onychomycosis, right knee strain with degenerative joint disease, cervical strain with degenerative disc disease, and lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease are all remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for back disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and PTSD. Service connection is granted for these conditions. The claim for cervical spine disability remains denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been rated based on the criteria provided. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings, but the current schedular ratings are considered adequate.,The Veteran claims service connection for migraine headaches and a cervical spine disorder. Further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic attacks and alcohol use disorder is granted a 70 percent rating. The issues of service connection for lumbar spine disability and cervical spine strain are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic kidney disease and headaches, have been denied. The Board has found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.