Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The reduction of the rating for cervical spine DJD from 30% to 20% was improper, and a restoration of the 30% rating is granted. A rating in excess of 30% for cervical spine DJD remains denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for cervical spine and left arm or wrist disabilities due to a lack of adequate opinion regarding whether these conditions are aggravated by his service-connected back and shoulder disabilities. The VA will need to obtain updated medical records, provide an addendum opinion, and review the case before making a decision.

The Board has restored the Veteran's cervical spondylosis and cervical spine invertebral disc syndrome disability rating from a 10% to a 30%, effective November 1, 2016.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's bilateral knee condition and cervical spine condition are not service-connected. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for back and neck disabilities due to new evidence and need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, cervical spondylosis, right shoulder osteoarthritis, bilateral radiculopathy, and right foot hammertoes, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's right arm disability is related to service or due to his service-connected cervical strain with degenerative arthritis of cervical spine with cervical loss of motion.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is remanded due to incomplete service records, and the Board requires further examination to determine its etiology.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for an addendum VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's cervical spine disability and his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection for right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, and fibromyalgia are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, anxiety and depression. The other claims of service connection are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical strain and degenerative arthritis of the spine, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current disabilities and his in-service injury. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have arthritis during service or within one year after separation.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for hearing loss and cervical spine disorder, as well as service connection claims for right and left knee disorders, were denied. The rating for the cervical spine was granted at a 20 percent level effective September 1, 2015.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sickle cell trait with bleeding and migraines, sleep apnea (Gulf War exposure), erectile dysfunction (secondary to hernia and medications), degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, allergic rhinitis, and inguinal hernia. The Veteran is also requested to provide a DRO hearing.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is dismissed as moot because he has already been receiving a 100% rating for his service-connected bilateral progressive cone dystrophy and other disabilities, which qualifies him for special monthly compensation (SMC) under Section 1114(p). An award of TDIU would not provide the Veteran with additional SMC benefits.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for cervical spine and lumbar spine conditions due to a duty-to-assist error. The VA-contracted medical opinions did not provide adequate rationale regarding whether these conditions were aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, allergic rhinitis, and several other conditions are granted service connection. Service connection is also remanded for low back, cervical spine, right knee, gastrointestinal, and hypertension disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar paravertebral myositis, degenerative osteoarthritis of the left knee, and other musculoskeletal conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU based on these disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding increased ratings for his service-connected cervical strain and chronic right knee strain prior to the Board's decision.