Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, residuals of trauma with strain right shoulder, residuals of trauma with cervical spine degenerative disease, and residuals of trauma with headaches. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for high cholesterol, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, hypertension, and a disability causing acid reflux due to incomplete development of records and need for further medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that new and material evidence has been received to reopen these claims. The case is now remanded for additional development including obtaining addendum opinions from VA clinicians.

The Board granted service connection for cervical spine DDD, stenosis, HNP, spondylarthritis, and radiculitis as these conditions were caused by the Veteran's in-service exposure to whiplash from small boats in high waves.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions due to incomplete examinations and lack of entrance examination prior to the Veteran's second period of active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder is related to his in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical degenerative disc disease, hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep disability (including sleep apnea) are related to his service-connected conditions. The decision is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for various disabilities, including left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, right hand disability, cervical spine disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, carpal tunnel syndrome, and right wrist disability. The Veteran is also required to provide additional non-VA treatment records and Worker’s Compensation claim records.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical radiculopathy and lumbar radiculopathy, as well as increased evaluations for the Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities. The left ankle disability claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's cervical strain disability has been rated at a 20 percent level, reflecting the reversal of lordosis and spasm in the cervical spine.

The Board denied service connection for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities as there is no competent evidence linking the current conditions to service, including a lack of continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative arthritis is being remanded for a more comprehensive examination to assess the current severity of her condition.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the right shoulder, residuals of status post left shoulder arthroscopy, and cervical spondylosis. The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis with L3-4 and L4-5 stenosis is also considered as having been incurred in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include service connection for left shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and an increased rating for depressive disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability, including his service records and medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical spine disability, bilateral ankle and foot disabilities, have rendered her unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board grants TDIU effective March 17, 2013, and dismisses the remaining claims.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to November 18, 2013 for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the cervical spine with osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, status post C5 vertebral fracture was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 20 percent disability rating for IVDS of the cervical spine with osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, status post C5 vertebral fracture prior to November 18, 2013 was denied.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for right upper radiculopathy associated with IVDS of cervical spine and left upper radiculopathy associated with IVDS of cervical spine prior to November 18, 2013 were denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for cervical spine strain, bilateral hip disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability due to the need for further examinations and additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine condition was reopened and granted. The appeal for service connection of the right shoulder condition is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a cervical spine disability, residuals of a head injury, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to the Veteran's reported assault at Fort Dix in 1972. The VA is instructed to obtain Social Security Administration records, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination regarding his cervical spine condition, another for his head injuries, and a third for his psychiatric disorders.