Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hip, left ankle, sinus, lung, neck, and erectile dysfunction disabilities have all been denied as they are not supported by evidence of in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine, as well as left upper extremity radiculopathy (LUE), have been denied.,A total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities has been granted from December 7, 2017.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as bronchitis. Additional medical opinions are needed to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The AOJ also dismissed the claim of an earlier effective date for left hip degenerative joint disease.

The Board denied service connection for low back and cervical spine disabilities, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that caused the current conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for a new opinion addressing whether the Veteran's cervical spine, left upper extremity, and right upper extremity nerve disorders are related to service or his service-connected back disability. The new opinion must address all theories of entitlement, including the aggravation prong of secondary service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disability and chronic diarrhea, but remanded the issue of service connection for radiculopathy secondary to cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability is denied. The appeal to reopen the claim of service connection for a low back disability is granted, and the case is remanded for further examination and rating considerations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were denied. The cervical spine disability was rated at 20 percent, while the lumbar spine disability prior to January 28, 2015 was rated at 10 percent and from that date onwards at 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cervical spine disability, bilateral foot and ankle disability, hypertension, urinary incontinence, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia, require further examination to determine their current severity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate or based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service records do not show any diagnosis of Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) or Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Right Neck. The Board finds that there is no current disability for IHD and denies this claim.,Regarding Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Right Neck, the Veteran was diagnosed in 2009 but has not had any recurrence since treatment. The Board does not find evidence to support a connection between Agent Orange exposure and the cancer.

The Board has denied service connection for a throat condition due to the lack of current diagnosis.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and arthritis of the right ring finger have been remanded for further examination and rating considerations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral pes planus, and a bilateral knee disability. The remaining issues are REMANDED for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a heart disorder claimed as due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's spouse was added as his dependent to his VA disability compensation award effective October 1, 2004.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, tinnitus, and chronic insomnia. Service connection was denied for cervical spine disability and sleep apnea.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, but has remanded his claims for cervical spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, right knee instability, and left knee chondromalacia patella.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder and cervical spine disabilities were denied as there was no evidence of a chronic disability in or caused by service. The Board found that the Veteran did not have an in-service injury, and his current conditions are more likely due to age-related wear and tear rather than service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is now rated at 40% from May 27, 2011, and his cervical spine disability is rated at 30% from September 2, 2010.