Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for IVDS of the cervical and thoracolumbar spine were denied as his disabilities did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck disability, right ear hearing loss, right shoulder bicipital tendonitis (right shoulder disability), right ankle strain, left ankle strain, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS), left knee PFS, right elbow olecranon bursitis (right elbow disability), lumbar spine disability with Scheuermann's kyphosis (lumbar spine disability), right hip strain with limitation of extension and flexion, left hip strain with limitation of extension and flexion, bilateral pes planus, left ear hearing loss, and tension headaches. The claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus need further evaluation due to potential progression of symptoms since his last VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new VA examination of his cervical spine. The current severity of his degenerative arthritis will be assessed.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is currently at 100%, but the Board finds that he has not been unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, as evidenced by his continued employment and participation in vocational rehabilitation.

The Veteran's tinnitus and depressive disorder are granted service connection as they are related to his military service. Service connection for gout, bilateral hearing loss disability, cervical spine disability, and hypoglycemia is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disorder, finding that it is not related to his military service and did not manifest within one year post-service. The opinion also found no evidence of aggravation by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to insufficient evidence, including for an acquired psychiatric disability, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right foot disability, neurological disabilities of the upper extremities, and other issues. The appeal does not involve any service connection decisions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, likely PTSD, was granted. Service connection for tinnitus and hypertension were also granted. However, the claims for a cervical spine disability, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, and other conditions remain denied due to lack of new material evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his limited mobility, inability to perform daily activities independently, and the hazards inherent in his environment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to inadequate examinations, incomplete evidence, and inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran is required to provide medical records and undergo new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims and rating determinations due to pending matters regarding his character of discharge from active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his VA treatment records.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is rated at 20 percent since April 1, 2013. The effective date for this rating is set as of April 1, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for flatfoot and the issues of increased ratings for bilateral great toe onychomycosis, PTSD and allergic rhinitis have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diarrhea (claimed as irritable bowel syndrome) has been granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions and missing VA treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, finding no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and his active service or any incidents therein.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, tinnitus, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The case is remanded to obtain additional information regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and to schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spondylosis, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity neuropathy disabilities are reasonably shown to prevent him from obtaining or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine, neck, seizure, and left shoulder disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.