Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including left shoulder, right shoulder, left ankle, cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and right ankle disabilities. The decision also includes a request for an initial compensable disability rating for migraine headaches. A new examination is required for each issue.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the issues on appeal can be adjudicated. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and bipolar disorder, as well as her back and neck disabilities, are being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lumbosacral spine, left hip, and right knee disabilities due to incomplete service treatment records. The VA is instructed to obtain any outstanding records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to substantially comply with prior remand instructions, and the Veteran's cervical spine disability is being reviewed again for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should receive a new VA examination to determine if his right shoulder disability is related to service. The examiner will need to consider all relevant medical history and provide an opinion on whether any current right shoulder disability is at least as likely as not related to in-service events.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is not service-connected, but his lumbar spine DDD and bladder incontinence are rated at the appropriate levels. The effective date for sciatic nerve radiculopathy has been granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder and left knee disorder, but has remanded all issues related to service connection due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and bilateral pes planus are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for neck disability, bilateral hip disability, sinusitis, obstructive airway disease, insomnia, and TMJ dysfunction require further examination to determine their etiology. The issues of service connection are being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination and lack of consideration of all relevant evidence, including the Veteran's history of multiple parachute jumps.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current low back and neck disorders are related to his service. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea and an increased rating for his cervical spine disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The appeal seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of right knee disability is dismissed as moot due to the revision of the September 1983 rating decision on CUE. Service connection for various conditions including cervical spine, bilateral hip disorder, left leg condition, and psychiatric disorders are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete records and the need for further development, including obtaining STRs and SPRs.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU and DEA benefits is denied as the earliest date of claim is March 21, 2016.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of chronic constipation and an earlier effective date for a 20% evaluation for residuals of a vertebra fracture. The Veteran's cervical spine disorder was granted as secondary to his service-connected residuals of a vertebra fracture.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome has been dismissed as the Appellant requested to withdraw her appeal.

The Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, has been granted. The cervical spine, left knee, right knee, and headaches (including migraines) claims are pending and need further evaluation.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy of the right arm, but remanded the issue of an earlier effective date for the cervical spine disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, but the Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for sensory radiculopathy to his cervical spine disability remains pending and requires further examination.