Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral eye disorder and cervical spine disorder due to insufficient development, and the Veteran's TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal signs or symptoms are found to be due to an undiagnosed illness and have been granted service connection. The right and left knee, foot and ankle disabilities, as well as the ear drum ruptures and back disability remain pending for further examination and determination.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea and neck disability. The claim of entitlement to service connection for valvular cardiomyopathy is REMANDED.

The Veteran's initial claim for increased ratings was denied, with the exception of a grant of a 50% evaluation for migraine headaches effective from August 9, 2017. The remaining conditions were not granted higher evaluations.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is granted a rating of 40 percent, but not higher, prior to April 10, 2018. A rating in excess of 40 percent for this condition from April 10, 2018 is denied. The Veteran's degenerative arthritis and degenerative joint disease are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service and he is granted service connection.,There is no evidence of left foot fungus beginning during active service or being related to an in-service injury. The claim for this condition is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and left knee disorder due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical disc disease, lumbar disc disease, and related radiculopathy conditions. The claims were reopened due to new evidence received since the original denial in June 1974.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, and has remanded several other issues related to service connection. The appeal is currently pending.

The reduction of disability rating from 40 percent to 20 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine condition effective December 1, 2016 was proper.,The reduction of disability rating from 30 percent to 10 percent for the Veteran's cervical spine condition effective December 1, 2016 was proper.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 6, 2017 for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is remanded. The claims for a right knee disability and left knee disability are also remanded. A VA examination is needed to determine whether the Veteran has left upper extremity radiculopathy. The claim for TDIU is also remanded.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of September 13, 2010 for the award of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance status due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine condition is rated at 30 percent, but no higher. The Board has remanded the issues of LUE radiculopathy and TDIU for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's claims have been remanded due to new evidence received and the need for further examinations. The reopened claim of fibrocystic breast disease is pending, while other issues related to service connection are also being reviewed.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, but the appeal for other conditions remains pending due to remand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities are service-connected as they arose from in-service injuries, including combat operations.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and evaluations are needed for the Veteran's service-connected conditions, as well as to address his claims regarding PTSD and major depressive disorder. The appeals will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete STRs, and requests that updated treatment records be obtained.

The Veteran's headache disability is granted a 50% rating effective April 10, 2012. His cervical spine disability with bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy is granted increased ratings of 20%, 30%, and 20% for the right and left upper extremities respectively from July 14, 2017.