Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination. The issues of increased ratings for various conditions are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease. The Veteran seeks service connection for this condition, which is currently under review.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and related radiculopathy conditions are remanded for further evaluation due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating of 20 percent or more for cervical spine disability, so the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for cervical and lumbosacral strains are inadequate, and additional examinations are needed. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded due to outstanding records and potential consideration of other applicable Codes.

The rating reduction from 10 percent to noncompensable for migraine headaches effective September 13, 2014 was improper and the 10 percent rating is restored. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for migraine headaches is remanded. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disability is also remanded.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disabilities due to VA medical treatment in 1994 and 1995, finding that the Veteran's consent forms indicated informed consent was provided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left knee, back, and neck disabilities have been denied. The Board has remanded the cases to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has not yet decided whether these conditions are related to his military service. The appeals for back and neck disabilities remain pending as they need further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his service-connected head injury substantially contributed to his development of dementia which caused his death. The decision is based on medical opinions supporting this conclusion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate reasons and bases for denying higher disability ratings, particularly regarding his cervical spine disability and left upper extremity radiculopathy. The case is now pending further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of evidence. The claim for degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine was reopened and granted. The claims for spondylosis, cervical spine and status-post injury, left upper extremity remain denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, and asthma have been granted. The claim for a higher rating for tension headaches has been denied. The claims for evaluations greater than 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and lumbar spine are remanded. Service connection for asthma is also remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, low back and bilateral hip disability, neck disability, left foot disability, right foot disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to lack of evidence showing in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology. The case is remanded for further development.

The application to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is denied.,Service connection for a lumbar spine disability is denied.,Service connection for a right knee disability is denied.,Service connection for a left knee disability is denied.,Service connection for bilateral pes planus is granted.,Service connection for plantar fasciitis is denied.,Service connection for COPD is denied.,Service connection for sleep apnea is denied.,Service connection for a libido condition, to include erectile dysfunction, is denied.,Service connection for a disability manifested by insomnia is denied.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted, rendering the appeal moot.,The Veteran withdrew his appeals on multiple other issues.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims for service connection for a right knee disability, right shoulder disability, and cervical spine disability. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for her lumbar spine, cervical spine, right upper extremity radiculopathy (major), and left upper extremity radiculopathy is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature of her back conditions.

The Veteran's abdominal aortic aneurysm is rated at 60 percent, effective April 25, 2019. The claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's back disability, neck disability, and heart condition are etiologically linked to active duty service. The claims for service connection are being remanded.