Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone have resulted in his need for aid and attendance in the activities of daily living, which is granted.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine is granted as service connected, with no specific rating assigned and effective date not specified.

The Veteran's temporary total evaluation for cervical spine disability following surgery is denied as the evidence does not show severe postoperative residuals requiring convalescence beyond December 31, 2014.

The Veteran's current cervical spine disorders are not etiologically related to service or his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are etiologically related to his active service, granting the claims for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reenter the VA vocational rehabilitation and employment program, finding that her service-connected disabilities did not worsen to the extent that she was precluded from performing work duties or that her previously rehabilitated occupation was unsuitable.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disability is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,Service connection for low back, neck, left knee, and right knee disabilities are remanded due to incomplete personnel records and the need for clarification on the dates of events claimed by the Veteran.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral eye disability is remanded as there are outstanding private treatment records that have not been obtained.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and coronary artery disease (status-post CABG) are remanded due to incomplete personnel records and the need for clarification on the dates of events claimed by the Veteran.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is remanded as there are outstanding VA treatment records that have not been obtained.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a left shoulder disability, left wrist disability, cervical spine disability, or right finger numbness related to service.,There is also no current evidence of a left and/or right knee disability or colitis related to service.

The Board has remanded the issues of whether reductions in evaluations for cervical ulnar radiculopathy were proper, as well as entitlement to increased evaluations. The Veteran underwent a VA examination but it was not reviewed by the RO.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine and cervical spine are being remanded due to outstanding private medical records from Dr. D., which have not been obtained.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,Service connection for a cervical spine disorder is granted, with the Board finding that the current disability is related to active service.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for short-term memory loss is denied as there is no current diagnosis or evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and PTSD were denied, with effective dates not being earlier than September 23, 2010, and November 1, 2010 respectively.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with scoliosis, degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine with spinal stenosis, and right leg sciatica have been granted. The claim for left leg disability is being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the hips, knees, and cervical spine as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities due to functional impairment caused by his right shoulder impingement syndrome.

The Veteran's initial claim for left rotator cuff syndrome was granted with a noncompensable rating, and the appeal is now resolved in his favor.,For cervical spine degenerative disc disease from October 1, 2013 to February 1, 2017, the Veteran received an initial compensable rating of 10 percent. The claim for a higher rating remains pending.,From February 2, 2017 onwards, the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease is rated at 10 percent and his appeal for a higher rating continues.,The Veteran was granted an initial compensable rating of 10 percent for degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine from October 1, 2013 to February 1, 2017. The claim for a higher rating remains pending.,From February 2, 2017 onwards, the Veteran's degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine is rated at 10 percent and his appeal for a higher rating continues.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to warrant readjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease. The AOJ is instructed to conduct a de novo review of these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

Service connection for a depressive disorder is granted.,Previously denied claims for service connection for neck disability, head injury residuals, recurrent headaches, and diabetes mellitus are reopened.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for left shoulder and neck scars is dismissed. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted as service-connected.