Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for cervical DDD, multiple joint arthritis (right shoulder and bilateral knees), left knee replacement, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and hammer toe as the evidence did not show these conditions began during a period of active duty or training.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of his service-connected cervical spine, left knee, and ankle disabilities have been dismissed. The appeal for PTSD with ADHD has also been dismissed. However, the Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded.

The Veteran's clothing was damaged by her service-connected back brace, and the Board has granted a clothing allowance for this issue.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, but denied claims for other conditions including cervical spine, hip, and foot disabilities. The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral CTS, mechanical back pain and lumbar-sacroiliac dysfunction, myofascial pain of the cervical paraspinal muscles and upper back, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, limited flexion and painful motion of the right hip, limited extension of the right hip, rotation and adduction of the right hip (unable to toe-out more than 15 degrees or cross legs), limited flexion and painful motion of the left hip, and limited extension of the left hip have all been denied. The Veteran's service connection claims for these conditions are decided on their merits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various disabilities, including middle back, cervical spine, bilateral hip, knee, and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a right arm condition, including tendonitis, has been denied.,Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran’s PTSD exacerbates her irritable bowel syndrome.,A rating of 20 percent, and no higher, is granted for right shoulder tendonitis and impingement syndrome.,A rating of 20 percent, and no higher, is granted for cervical spine strain.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition (abnormal kyphosis), hemorrhoids, chronic anxiety-induced indigestion, increased urinary frequency, and anxiety disorder.,,,,

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and depression are all granted service connection.,Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of the right hand, arthritis of the left hand, fibromyalgia, cervical spine disability, thoracic spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and a sleep-related disability (including obstructive sleep apnea) are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral knee disability and other health issues. The decision also denied reopening of a claim for a bilateral knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder, but dismissed the appeal regarding cervical spine disorder. The TDIU claim is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and remanded the issues of initial ratings higher than 10 percent for bilateral ankle and knee disabilities.

The Board has ordered remand of the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, as these issues were not adequately addressed in prior opinions. The VA examiner is required to provide an opinion regarding whether the Veteran’s spinal conditions are related to active service or caused by his service-connected right posterior tibialis disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed neck disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service motor vehicle accident. The claim was reopened due to new and material evidence submitted since the prior denial.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and TDIU related to her cervical spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims of lumbar spine, cervical spine, left knee, right knee, and headaches disabilities. Additional development is needed to obtain workman's compensation records related to the Veteran’s claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's bronchial asthma is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on objective PFT results and medication use.,PFB is currently rated as noncompensable. The evidence did not show systemic therapy or more than five percent of exposed areas affected.

Service connection is granted for lumbar degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's cervical disability and cause of death are remanded for further review.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of left foot disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and asthma. The Veteran's appeal for service connection of cervical spine disability is pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine condition has been reopened, and the appeal is granted. The cervical spine condition issue remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine, left hip, and bilateral knee disabilities as they are not shown to be related to the Veteran's active service or his service-connected lumbar spine disability.