Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to address certain evidence. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a left shoulder disability. The Veteran's current left shoulder condition, including brachial plexus dysfunction, needs to be evaluated by an appropriate clinician to determine if it is related to his in-service injury.

Service connection granted for various disabilities including bilateral shoulder, neck, back, hip, leg, and foot osteoarthritis as well as peripheral neuropathy in the upper extremities secondary to diabetes mellitus. Service connection is also remanded for anemia.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable prior to November 30, 2015. The Board has granted a TDIU for this period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted after the January 1992 rating decision.

Service connection for left wrist strain is granted. A rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD and a rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine disability are denied. The Veteran's hypertension remains at the minimum compensable rating.

The Veteran's cause of death was glioblastoma multiforme, due to bacterial pneumonia and acute respiratory failure. None of his service-connected conditions are considered the immediate or underlying cause of his death. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding substitution in claims and assessment of TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for traumatic brain injury, cataracts, dental disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, hearing loss, right leg/thigh disability, left leg disability, left hip disability, left knee disability, and removal of the right ovary have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal to reopen her claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) has been granted.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a cervical spine disability, fecal incontinence, internal and external hemorrhoids, and bilateral hip disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance due to her service-connected disabilities, including hypothyroidism with bradycardia, depression with a mood disorder, thoracolumbar spine strain with ankylosing spondylitis, and other conditions. The Board has determined that she meets the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for neck disability and headaches due to new evidence. The claims are remanded as additional medical opinions are needed regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1151 is remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions regarding causation of his disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of right knee arthritis has been reopened, and a 50 percent evaluation is granted. The appeal regarding other issues remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU was denied. The back disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board denied service connection for low back and neck disabilities, finding that current conditions are not related to military service.,There was no evidence of chronic disability during service or within one year post-service discharge.

The Veteran's tension headaches are granted as secondary to his grenade fragment wound. His erectile dysfunction is denied, and he receives a TDIU. The cervical spine disability and left neck muscle pain both receive initial increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine disability, right upper extremity numbness and pain, and left upper extremity numbness and pain due to inadequate examination. A new VA examination is required.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart palpitations, abnormal liver function test results, obesity, diverticulitis, bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, allergic rhinitis, and major depressive disorder. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for appropriate examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding whether the Veteran's neck disability is related to his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, traumatic brain injury, vertigo, cervical spine disability, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy. The reasons given include the lack of credible evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service records do not show any incidents or diagnoses related to the claimed disabilities.