Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board has denied service connection for a left shoulder disability and dismissed claims for sleep apnea, hypertension. The Veteran's appeals of other issues have been withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of substantial compliance with its February 2012 remand instructions. The Veteran's cervical spine disorder claim is now pending for further review.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss and erectile dysfunction are granted service connection. The cervical spine disorder, ischemic heart disease, esophageal disorder, goiter, pituitary gland disorder, and PTSD claims are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran needs regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, warranting special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder strain, right shoulder strain, and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for headaches and associated neurological manifestations, as well as initial ratings for lumbar radiculopathy. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete examinations in one of the issues. The claims will be returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of TBI or tinnitus, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.,For low back degenerative arthritis, the Board found no evidence of chronic disease in service or within the applicable presumptive period. The Veteran's symptoms are attributed to intercurrent causes and his post-service occupational history.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, DVT of the lower extremities, and PTSD/Depression due to lack of in-service incurrence or aggravation and insufficient medical evidence linking current conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to inadequate VA examinations in previous decisions. The Veteran is also being asked to provide information regarding flare-ups of his disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, neurocardio syncope, and migraines have been granted service connection. The claims for neurocardio syncope and migraines were reopened based on new evidence received since the June 2009 rating decision.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis is rated at 20 percent effective November 3, 2014. The Board found that the evidence supports a rating of 20 percent for the period prior to November 3, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the claim for cervical spine impingement has been granted with a 10% rating.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for varicose veins and granted it, but denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case due to need for further development and evidence regarding the Veteran's claim of entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC). The SMC is related to the loss of use of both lower extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the issues of initial compensable ratings for cervical spine disability, right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and right great toenail disability.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical strain, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity sciatica, right hip strain, and left hip and left knee disabilities. The issues include seeking higher initial ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70% rating effective May 2, 2005. The Veteran's SMC based on aid and attendance was granted effective April 3, 2006.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the nature, etiology, and severity of the veteran's claimed disabilities.