Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for cervical arthritis and remanded the issues of sleep condition (undiagnosed illness) due to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, tension headaches as secondary to a neck disorder, and cervical radiculopathy in both upper extremities as secondary to a neck disorder. The decision is based on direct service connection due to an injury sustained during active service.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and addendum opinion are inadequate, as they did not address whether the force related to the June 1971 motor vehicle accident could have caused the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder. The case is being remanded for a new examination.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical dysplasia and remanded the issues of service connection for allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a 50 percent rating, and from February 19, 2016, the Veteran's cervical strain is rated at a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities, to include as secondary to a service-connected lumbar disability, has been granted. The case is remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, sleep apnea, and hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure), finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least in equipoise with evidence of onset during active duty service.,Service connection is established based on the presumption of soundness under 38 U.S.C. § 1112 for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, sleep apnea, and hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure).

The Board denied service connection for cervical spasm, spondylosis, discogenic disease C5-C6 by x-rays (neck condition) and low back disability as the Veteran's conditions did not have their onset during active service or were not related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine were denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including cervical spine disorder, bilateral hip and ankle disorders, bilateral foot disorders, vertigo, urticaria, headaches, and TMJ, are remanded due to lack of recent medical records and need for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service injuries. The claims for these disabilities have been reopened due to new evidence received since the January 2010 rating decision.

The Board denied service connection for thoracolumbar, cervical, and acquired psychiatric disorders as there was no evidence of a chronic disability in service or within one year after separation from active duty.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were evaluated, with the cervical spine receiving a 10% rating and the lumbar spine also receiving a 10% rating. The appeals for higher ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD has been reopened. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for lumbosacral or cervical strain, right knee strain, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records to assess her current disability levels.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service treatment records are incomplete and requests for these records have not been completed. The Veteran is also requested to provide any additional medical records from private providers, including Dr. Baldwin.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's left shoulder disorder, which is currently rated at 20 percent. The issues of service connection for left wrist and cervical neck disorders are dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. The rating remains remanded for further evaluation of his back disability.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding VA medical records and requests the Veteran to provide them. The claims for service connection will be remanded until these records are obtained.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to April 30, 2013 and a higher initial rating for his service-connected right knee osteoarthritis. The case is being remanded for further development.