Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected cervical spine strain, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on the criteria set forth in VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that there is no competent evidence of a nexus between the post-service cervical spine disability and service.

The Board dismissed all service connection claims except for the Veteran's TDIU claim, which was granted.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction as the evidence did not support a link to active service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to service connection and disability ratings for various conditions. The Board has found that a 30 percent rating is warranted for IBS throughout the appeal period, but other claims are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal on the issue of an increased rating for cervical disc disease has been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD and adjustment disorder with depressed mood.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for cervical foraminal stenosis is dismissed. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine, cervical spine, right shoulder, and left shoulder disabilities and his military service. The claims for these conditions are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for asthma, left ankle disability, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, left knee disability and sleep disorder due to lack of a VA examination in relation to these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of heat stroke, a bilateral arm disability, and a back disability due to new evidence added to the record. The rating for neck disability is also being remanded because additional VA treatment records are needed. The claim for conversion disorder will be remanded as well.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to cervical spine, low back, left hip, and psychiatric disabilities are inadequate for decision-making purposes. The Veteran must be provided with addendum opinions addressing whether his current conditions are secondary to or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an initial compensable rating for a cervical spine disability, and a rating in excess of 10 percent from May 6, 2016 for the same condition have all been denied. The claim for a compensable rating for migraine headaches has been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for DJD of the lumbar spine and a neck disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional records from Social Security Administration (SSA).

The Board has determined that the reduction in rating from 10 percent to 0 percent for the Veteran's right ulna disability was improper and restored the original 10 percent rating. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for cervical spine, right tibial plateau, and hepatitis C disabilities are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and remanded the claim for diabetes mellitus, type 2 due to new evidence received after the September 2011 rating decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied, and the case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding his claimed disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and arthritis of the ankles, knees, cervical, and thoracolumbar spine as there is no evidence that these conditions are related to active service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for neck disability, left and right upper extremity neuropathy due to in-service injuries. The Veteran's statements regarding his in-service neck injuries are entitled to special consideration as he served in combat.

The Veteran's cause of death is denied as there is no evidence that his service-connected disabilities or any in-service exposure to herbicides caused or contributed substantially to his death.

The Board dismissed all appeals due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal.