Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability and neurological disorder of the upper extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the disabilities and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for her cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities were denied. The left shoulder disability claim was denied as there is no evidence of a distinct condition separate from the already service-connected cervical spine and left upper extremity radiculopathy. For the cervical spine, the 20 percent rating was granted effective March 20, 2014, but not prior to that date. The lumbar spine disability claim resulted in a remand for further development.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, diagnosed as cervical spondylosis and degenerative disc disease, is granted service connection. The Veteran's headache condition remains in dispute and requires further medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's current disabilities, as well as his in-service exposures.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder, and the effective date prior to January 13, 2011, for service connection of major depressive disorder, have been dismissed. Appeals regarding CUE in January 2012 rating decisions granting service connection for various disabilities were also dismissed.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for cervical spine, left shoulder, and right shoulder disorders due to insufficient development in the previous decisions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of TBI has been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues regarding service connection for a cervical spine injury and radiculopathy of the upper extremities, as these claims require further development.

The Veteran's left and right upper extremity neuropathy are granted with initial ratings of 30% and 40%, respectively, effective April 13, 2010. The cervical spine disability is remanded for further examination to determine the appropriate rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of January 27, 2011, and an effective date for the TDIU award was granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, bilateral knee disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, and cervical spine disorder. The appeal is remanded to obtain a VA examination for the Veteran's currently present bilateral foot disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, bilateral foot disability, low back disability, and neck disability due to a lack of service treatment records from Fort Leonard Wood. The claims are being remanded for further development including obtaining missing STRs, scheduling VA examinations, and considering new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a left hand and wrist disability, including second metacarpal degenerative joint disease and carpal tunnel syndrome, has been dismissed as the Veteran and his representative have withdrawn their appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and medical opinions regarding the service connection of cervical spine disability, high blood pressure, and hysterectomy and residuals.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU. The remaining issues of increased ratings for his back and cervical spine conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is remanded due to concerns about VA treatment prior to his private surgeries. The Board requests a new opinion on whether VA failed to properly diagnose or treat the condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA medical opinions and obtaining outstanding VA medical records. The Veteran's appeal is related to his service connection claim for aching joints.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, unspecified depressive disorder, sleep apnea, migraines, numbness in the right arm and hand, and numbness in the left arm and hand are all granted service connection. The effective date is not specified.