Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, as well as secondary service connection for radiculopathy of both upper and lower extremities. The Veteran's radiculopathy is also found to be related to his already service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his cervical spine disability with degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have changed over the course of the appeal, and there is no report on the collective impact of these conditions on his ability to work. The case is being remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations and private medical records are needed to properly assess the Veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities, as current evidence is insufficient.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his chronic cervical strain was denied as the evidence did not show forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees, combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees, muscle spasms or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour, or ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is granted a 100% rating, and service connection for various conditions including pulmonary disorder, cervical spine disorder, bilateral upper extremity nerve disorder, bilateral hip/thigh disorder, and bilateral foot disorder are remanded.

The claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if it is related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical strain and left upper extremity radiculopathy, as they are related to his in-service motor vehicle accident. The VA will obtain all relevant records and provide a new examination to determine if these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is denied as there are no residuals of the in-service injury.,The Veteran's right rib disorder is denied as there are no current residuals from the in-service fracture.,The lung disorder due to chemical exposure is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability attributable to service.,The traumatic brain injury is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability attributable to service.

The Veteran's disability evaluations were reviewed, and the reduction in lumbosacral strain evaluation was found to be improper. The cervical strain and knee extension evaluations are remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of her cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, left hip, and right lower extremity neuropathy conditions. The claims will be further evaluated after obtaining additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives and for obtaining updated VA treatment records. A new medical opinion is needed regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disorder.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and likely cause of the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as they are currently diagnosed. The case will be returned for this purpose.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability, specifically whether it began during service or within one year after discharge.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine DDD and associated radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities did not render him unemployable prior to December 19, 2017. The combined rating was 50 percent from that date to December 18, 2017.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted a 30% rating, effective September 1, 2011. The right upper extremity radiculopathy is granted a 50% rating, effective June 27, 2015. The left upper extremity radiculopathy is granted a 40% rating, effective June 27, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders due to inadequate examination opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's cervical disc disease with arthritis, specifically his National Guard service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to conflicting medical evidence regarding his cervical spine disability. A new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any cervical spine disability, including whether it is related to an in-service injury or aggravated by a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's myofascial strain of the cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and a remand is ordered to schedule a new VA examination to assess its current severity.