Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of left leg, right leg, and cervical spine disabilities. The claim for lumbar spine disability was granted based on new and material evidence received.,The Board denied service connection for left hip, right hip, left knee, and right knee disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder, left forearm, left index finger, and cervical spine disabilities due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability needs to be re-evaluated due to a lack of recent VA examination and potential worsening. The issue of TDIU is also remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cervical degenerative disc disorder (DDD) is denied. A separate 20 percent rating for mild radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities associated with his cervical DDD is granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain and left elbow disability have been granted. The reduction in the rating for cervical spine strain from 10% to non-compensable was void, and the claim for an initial rating in excess of 10% is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee, shoulder, and spine disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is also being asked to provide VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for cervical strain on the right side and a higher rating for TMJ due to inadequate VA examinations conducted in September 2016 and October 2016.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted, and a rating of 70 percent for major depressive disorder and social phobia (PTSD) was also granted. Claims for lumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability were denied, while fibromyalgia was denied.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis with patellofemoral pain syndrome is granted service connection. A 30 percent rating, but no higher, for cervical spine disability (degenerative arthritis) and a 40 percent rating, but no higher, for lumbar spine disability (degenerative arthritis) are granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development regarding service connection for a cervical spine disability and TDIU, as these issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's headaches are secondary to his service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service head injury.

The Veteran's service connection claims were granted, and he was awarded evaluations for various conditions. The Board also found that some issues required further review.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical neck disability, but dismissed the Veteran's claims of left shoulder and right shoulder disabilities.

The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition other than PTSD (including major depressive disorder) is dismissed. The claim for service connection for traumatic brain injury (TBI) is remanded. The claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine are also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's initial rating of 10 percent for his service-connected cervical strain is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and an updated VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma, bilateral hip disability, left knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, low back disability, neck disability, and acquired psychiatric disability as they were not caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's cervical disc disease, thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) L3-4, and left knee sprain are granted with increased ratings effective February 28, 2011. The issues of service connection for epididymitis and eczema are remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for right shoulder and cervical spine conditions, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to duty-to-assist errors. The claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for post-traumatic headaches remains pending.