Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is remanded due to the need for updated functional limitation opinions and VA examinations, as well as the retrieval of outstanding medical records.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current disabilities, specifically his right shoulder, back, neck, left knee, and right knee disabilities. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of cervical spine disc disease has been denied. The Board also found that the Veteran's right shoulder injury is not service-connected and remanded both issues to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include unspecified anxiety disorder, is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a prostate condition, to include prostate cancer, is granted.,Service connection for a sleep condition is denied.,Service connection for a cervical spine disability is denied.,Service connection for a lumbar spine disability is denied.,Service connection for hypertension is denied.,Service connection for rocky mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The claim will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Board has determined that there is at least a 50/50 chance the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine began during his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's traumatic joint disease of the cervical spine is granted as service connected, and her left shoulder disability is remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's cervical spine disability and to determine the nature and etiology of any present upper extremity neurological disabilities. The issues on appeal will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including for service connection and increased ratings.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine and cervical spine disorders as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left wrist disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate rationale in a previous VA examination. The Veteran is required to undergo another VA examination to determine if his current lumbar and cervical spine disorders are related to his military service, including an alleged fall from a ladder during service.

The Board has denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to incomplete medical opinions.

The Board has remanded several issues for further examination and opinion, including service connection claims for various conditions. The Veteran's enlarged thyroid is not compensable due to lack of findings or symptoms attributable to the condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to incomplete records, lack of verification of periods of active duty, and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's preexisting migraine headaches are found to be aggravated by active service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The claims for bilateral lower extremity neuropathy involving the sciatic nerve, cervical spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disability are denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision may be rendered regarding the issues on appeal, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA records. The Veteran's arthritis, left wrist disability (left wrist disability), carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity, eye disability, diabetes mellitus, residuals of stroke, heart disability, headache disability, and subdural hematoma are all being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The claim for degenerative disc disease with mild stenosis of the cervical spine was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, while the claims for obstructive sleep apnea and left knee disability are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of frostbite of the left foot, neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and headaches are granted. The claim for a back disability is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 1, 2014. Therefore, TDIU is granted effective from that date.

The Veteran's low back strain and neck disability are granted service connection, while a compensable rating for his bilateral pes cavus with pes planus is granted effective May 31, 2016.