Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, and a headache disability, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is being remanded for an additional medical opinion to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to the in-service injury from a rock hitting him in 1985.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 15, 2008 for the grant of service connection for cervical degenerative disc disease was denied. The Veteran also did not meet eligibility criteria for financial assistance in purchasing a vehicle or adaptive equipment and for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of injury to the right arm/shoulder and left arm/shoulder, as well as his claim for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, were denied. The Veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity and a 10 percent rating for cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective January 20, 2012.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate examination reports, specifically regarding functional loss during flare-ups and after repetitive use.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left upper extremity disorder, cervical spine disorder, and thoracic spine disorder due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, and cervical spine disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing specific incidents in the line of duty resulting in these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates with respect to his evaluation for tinnitus and hearing loss have been dismissed as a matter of law. The Board has also remanded several issues related to increased evaluations and earlier effective dates for various disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the claim for residuals of a stroke. The claims for an increased rating for cervical spine disability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, including stenosis and disc disorder with post-fusion surgery and radiculopathy, is related to his service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is required for the Veteran's left knee disability and cervical spine disability, as well as an appropriate VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current right knee disability. The issues of service connection for left knee disability, increased rating for right knee condition, and higher evaluation for degenerative joint and disc disease, thoracolumbar spine with IVDS are being remanded.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and service-connected right and left shoulder disabilities are being remanded for further examination to determine if the cervical spine disability is secondary to his shoulder disabilities. The Veteran's increased rating for his left shoulder subluxation is also being remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's right achilles tendon disability and hypertension are denied initial compensable ratings.,The Veteran's cervical spondylosis with left upper extremity radiculopathy, sciatica, lumbosacral strain, left knee patellar tendonitis (left knee disability), and chronic cough not related to asthma or seasonal allergic rhinitis (chronic cough) are remanded for further review.,The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spondylosis with left upper extremity radiculopathy, sciatica, lumbosacral strain, left knee patellar tendonitis (left knee disability), and chronic cough not related to asthma or seasonal allergic rhinitis (chronic cough) are remanded.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection and rating increases need to be remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck, low back, left knee, and syncope and orthostasis disabilities due to lack of sufficient evidence on whether these conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and effective dates have been denied. The Veteran is not entitled to an evaluation greater than 20 percent for cervical spondylosis, strain, levoscoliosis, and arthritis. Effective dates prior to January 16, 2015, are also denied for the grants of service connection for TBI, cervical spine disability, migraine headaches, and neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder and cervical spine conditions, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to failure to comply with duty to assist, and additional private treatment records need to be obtained.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sinus and neck disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. The Veteran's symptoms need further clarification, including environmental exposures during his service.