Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board dismissed the appeal for an increased rating of cervical spine fusion. The Veteran's left and right upper extremity disabilities, rated at 20 percent each, are now granted with ratings of 30 percent (left) and 40 percent (right), respectively.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of cervical spine disability and left hand disability due to potential issues with causation and etiology. The claims are REMANDED.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is rated at 20 percent prior to February 28, 2011, and at 40 percent thereafter. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating.,For her right shoulder disability, the Veteran was initially rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5201. Her current rating is also 20 percent.

The Veteran's right elbow disability is granted as incurred or aggravated during active duty service.,Tinnitus is presumed to have been incurred in service due to noise exposure during military service.,Chronic fatigue syndrome and urinary disorder are not diagnosed, thus denial of these claims.,Cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical strain with degenerative changes and thoracic strain with degenerative changes were denied as the evidence did not show that the disabilities warranted a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of a neck disability and bilateral hip disability, both secondary to service-connected back disability. The Veteran's neck and hip disabilities are currently under review with additional medical opinions required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current hip disability, and the dry eye syndrome was not rated as it did not meet the criteria for any specific rating.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches due to an in-service head injury and secondary to service-connected vascular dementia. The Veteran's joint pain conditions are denied as not related to service or a cold injury, and the scars on his left occipital area and right eyebrow are rated at 30 percent.

Service connection is granted for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease and lumbar spine spondylosis, as well as other service-connected disabilities. The effective date for the award of service connection for hemorrhoids is set at November 29, 2015.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and right upper extremity radiculopathy are granted service connection. Service connection for left upper extremity radiculopathy is remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hip condition, cervical strain, and right knee condition due to lack of a current diagnosis. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for thoracolumbar spine and cervical spine disorders, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that caused current disabilities.,Medical records show the Veteran had complaints of back pain during both periods of active duty but did not have a diagnosed condition until after service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right eye corneal erosion, increased rating for degenerative cervical disk disease status post anterior cervical fusions, and compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will need to undergo additional VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for back, cervical spine, bilateral knee, gout and hypertension have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals during a June 2016 Board hearing.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection of a bilateral knee disability. The claims for body pain, bilateral hearing loss, and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood are dismissed. Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss. The remaining issues of service connection for neck disability, bilateral knee disability, and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical evidence and need for further examination. The issues include left hip pain, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, Raynaud's syndrome, and bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of various conditions, including arthritis, back injury residuals, muscle neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression). The missing VA treatment records from April 1972 to October 2000 are needed. An addendum opinion is required regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability was aggravated by his second period of active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar degeneration, cervical strain, and right knee disability are secondary to his service-connected left foot DJD. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to September 16, 2015 for the awards of service connection for cervical DJD, right elbow lateral epicondylitis, and right elbow impairment of supination and pronation have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hand disability has also been remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.