Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's carotid artery stenosis and neck disability are not related to service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims for TDIU and increased rating for psychophysiological nervous system reaction are being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of diabetes mellitus being incurred in or aggravated by service, and the cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

Service connection for dermatitis, left cubital tunnel syndrome, right hip disability, left hip disability, right shoulder disability, bilateral thumb disability, right first toe disability, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, left varicocele, and testicle atrophy has been denied.,The Veteran's service connection claims for obstructive sleep apnea, nephrolithiasis with hematuria, right knee iliotibial band syndrome and patellofemoral pain syndrome, allergic rhinitis, right plantar fasciitis, hyperhidrosis, hemorrhoids, and generalized headaches have been remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims are remanded for additional examinations and evaluations to determine the severity of his service-connected cervical spine, low back, GERD, and headaches. The effective dates for the grants of service connection will be determined based on when a request to reopen was received.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability and remanded the issues of service connection for gastritis, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, low back disability, left lower extremity neuropathy, and right lower extremity neuropathy.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, as well as his denials of acid reflux and erectile dysfunction. The claims will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a comprehensive VA medical opinion regarding whether the appellant has a disorder that is a form or manifestation of spina bifida, other than spina bifida occulta. The examiner must review all relevant medical records and MRI study images.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not service-connected, and his claim for SMC was denied as he does not meet the criteria for aid and attendance or permanent bedridden status.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from tending to his daily activities, thus he does not require regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability, cervical spine osteoarthritis, left knee degenerative joint disease, and genitourinary disorder (kidney disease). The decision also noted that the claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was denied.

The Board has decided that there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's back, left hand, and neck disorders are related to his service-connected right shoulder disorder. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left hand, back, neck, and bilateral hip disabilities due to a lack of medical records from the Veteran's incarceration period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease and cervical spine strain due to inadequate examination findings regarding flare-ups.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine and bilateral shoulder disorders have been reopened. The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for various conditions, including cervical spine disability and atrial fibrillation, were denied. The right shoulder bursitis, right elbow disability, crush injuries to the left hand digits, and right knee medial meniscus tear received compensable disability ratings.

The Board denied a non-initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's cervical spine disability prior to March 28, 2011 and granted a 20 percent rating from that date forward.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 50% disability rating.,VA has determined that the Veteran’s back disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher initial rating than 20%. The VA examination report is inadequate due to missing range of motion testing.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right leg, back, shoulder, and neck disabilities due to new evidence received since the last final denial. The claims are now pending for further examination and determination.