Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

Service connection is granted for residuals of a bilateral ankle injury and arthritis of the cervical spine.,The Veteran's psychiatric disability (PTSD) claim remains pending as it requires further examination.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for acute myelocytic leukemia, claimed as promyelocytic leukemia.,The Board also dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and spinal fusion. The TDIU claim was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's medical records establish diagnoses or persistent symptoms of various disabilities and have indicated a possible service connection. Therefore, the case is being remanded to provide the Veteran with VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been decided. The decision grants a separate evaluation of 10 percent for RUE ulnar radiculopathy beginning June 19, 2013, but denies all other issues raised in the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 31, 2009.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical strain due to insufficient evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's time in service and his current condition. The issue of service connection for colorectal cancer is remanded as there is no medical opinion on whether it is related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine condition has been reopened, but the claim is denied. The Veteran's cervical spine disability remains rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine, right clavicle, hypogonadism, PTSD, and OSA have been granted service connection with effective dates of July 25, 2012.,An earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for his right clavicle disability is denied.,An earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for his hypogonadism is denied.,An earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied.,An earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for OSA is denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, which includes radiculopathy of the lower extremities, is denied for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back, neck, and left hip disabilities due to a lack of current diagnoses during the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine disc disease and spinal stenosis, as well as cervical spine disc disease and spinal stenosis. The issue of entitlement to TDIU based on these conditions is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for tinnitus and degenerative changes in the cervical spine is being remanded due to incomplete examination findings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA and private treatment records.

The Board has denied service connection for upper back and neck disability and lower back disability due to lack of evidence showing a link between the disabilities and active service. The appeal is remanded for further verification of the Veteran's claimed reserve service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a clarification of the VA examination opinions and additional medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, to include migraines and occipital headaches, as well as a cervical spine disability. The issues of service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury have been remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be adjudicated on the merits. The Veteran's service connection and increased evaluation claims are remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claims of secondary service connection for back and hip disabilities, as well as neck disability, have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for traumatic left knee below-joint amputation is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, which includes a fusion with IVDS and radiculopathy, is related to his active service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.