Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's upper and lower back disabilities, as well as his heart attack and migraines, are currently rated at the lowest possible level (10 percent) due to their limited functional impairment.,His hypothyroidism is not rated higher because it does not cause significant symptoms.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will need new VA examinations for his back and neck disabilities, and the issue of TDIU is deferred until these issues are resolved.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and headaches. The appeals are based on direct evidence of in-service injury and continuity of symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal regarding increased ratings for his service-connected conditions has been dismissed. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating for cervicalgia, tendonitis of the left shoulder, or radiculopathy of the LUE prior to specific dates.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder, lumbosacral spine, cervical spine, and right knee disabilities, as well as bilateral hearing loss and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims were not supported by the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current spine disabilities and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for cervical spine injury, headaches, lower back/spine condition, left hip condition, and right and left ankle disorders are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The effective date of service connection remains unknown as no new evidence was received.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a back disorder, cervical spine disorder, right knee disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The AOJ is instructed to obtain medical records, verify periods of active duty, and schedule examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for her lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities, as well as headaches beginning October 23, 2008. Additional development is needed to ensure all necessary findings are made.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a cervical spine injury, lumbar spine implant, and traumatic right leg injury. The Board also denied the claim for TDIU prior to June 23, 3018.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a cervical spine injury, lumbar spine implant, and traumatic right leg injury. The Board also denied the claim for TDIU prior to June 23, 3018.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and hepatitis C were not incurred or aggravated during his period of service.,Service connection was denied for both conditions as there is no evidence linking the current disabilities to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, cervical dysplasia, hepatitis C, and depressive disorder.,Service connection was not granted as the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not incurred in line of duty due to his own willful misconduct, and thus cannot be granted service connection for any of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for skin cancer was reopened due to new evidence submitted.,For the low back disability, a rating greater than 10 percent is denied prior to May 3, 2017 and a remand is ordered for further evaluation after that date.

The Board has denied service connection for hearing loss in the left ear due to lack of a current diagnosis. The case is remanded for further examination and evaluation regarding right ear hearing loss and cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's schizophrenia is the only service-connected condition, and it does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status due to his other conditions and lack of institutionalization.

The Board found that the overpayment due to incarceration was properly created and denied the appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records.,The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for service connection of degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity.