Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claim for a retrospective opinion regarding the impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to May 24, 2013. The claim is also remanded due to outstanding VA Vocational Rehabilitation records that have not been considered.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not received. The Board found that the Veteran did not submit any evidence to reopen his claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting reports regarding the Veteran's ability to perform activities of daily living without assistance. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if he requires aid and attendance as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of his lumbar spine, cervical spine, and flatfeet.,The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or any in-service injury.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis. The cervical spine condition and hearing loss issues are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his in-service injury and is more likely due to normal aging and post-service occupation.

The Veteran's claims for cervical cancer, pharyngitis, asthma, and acquired psychiatric disorders (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression) were denied. The claim for service connection for digestive diseases is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to his service, including a 1969 injury. The claim will be reviewed again with new medical examination and opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for a neck disability, as well as higher initial ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The claims are being returned due to inadequate previous examinations.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 as her cervical spine disability did not result from VA's care, but rather due to its natural progression.

The Veteran's Reiter’s syndrome, left and right knee degenerative joint disease, and hand disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations. The case is remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder, cervical spine, lumbar spine, bilateral pes planus, and dry throat disabilities are not service-connected.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability, specifically whether it is related to service, including any in-service left shoulder injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current disability and his military service.

The Veteran's current neck and back disabilities are related to his military service.,The Veteran's leg weakness, blurred vision, vertigo, and breathing problems may be related to environmental hazards during his Gulf War deployment.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for higher ratings in multiple cases of Reiter’s syndrome with various body parts. As a result, the Board has dismissed these appeals.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is being remanded to determine its relationship to his military service, specifically as a fighter pilot with 5000 hours of flight time.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various disabilities, including low back disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, right hand disability, neck disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, bilateral pes planus, erectile dysfunction, sleep-related disability (presumed to be sleep apnea), acquired psychiatric disability, heart disability, residuals of a stroke, hypertension, hiatal hernia, and gastrointestinal disability. The remand requires additional development including obtaining federal records from the Social Security Administration, scheduling an examination for the low back disability, and determining the nature and etiology of hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal because his substantive appeal was not filed within 60 days of the issuance of the statement of the case.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his cervical spine disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, hiatal hernia with GERD, and depression is denied. The case is remanded for further evaluation of the service connection for cervical radiculopathy.