Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's shoulder, neck, lumbar back, and right knee disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during active service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent from May 14, 2014 for cervical spine arthritis with degenerative changes due to inadequate examination and other issues.

The Veteran's post-concussion headaches are rated at a 10 percent evaluation. The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for thoracolumbar spine, right shoulder strain, and cervical strain.

The Board has determined that there are missing records pertinent to the Veteran's claims for service connection, and therefore, these cases are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for cervical and lumbar disc diseases, bilateral pes planus, and PTSD due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran is also required to provide a statement of the case on TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for depressive disorder, lumbar disability, cervical spine disability, and bilateral hallux valgus with bunions have been denied. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, gastrointestinal issues, and migraines.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is proximately due to or a result of his service-connected degenerative joint disease and cervical spondylosis, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for cervical strain was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a 50 percent rating for tensional headaches from July 21, 2016 was granted.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and ratings for various conditions has been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining retrospective opinions on the severity of the Veteran's left knee disability and an examination to assess whether his cervical spine disability is caused or aggravated by his service-connected orthopedic disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining updated medical records, arranging for a gastroenterologist examination to assess the severity of service-connected dyspepsia, and considering referral for extraschedular TDIU prior to October 13, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for cervical stenosis, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity were denied. The Veteran was also denied an earlier effective date for a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, as well as an earlier effective date for Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA) benefits.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical strain with disc disease and traumatic arthritis, as well as claims for service connection for various conditions, were denied. The Veteran was also denied a temporary total evaluation for his right shoulder disability.

The Board denied service connection for neck disability, low back disability, and bilateral knee disability. Service connection was granted for tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding insufficient evidence to support a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for various disabilities, including shoulder, elbow, spine, and ankle issues, as well as gastrointestinal and migraine headaches, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's neck disability, heart disability (aortic dissection), and diabetes mellitus were denied as not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for migraine headaches, left shoulder disability, low back disability, and cervical spine or neck disability as the evidence did not support a link to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar and cervical spine disorders due to conflicting medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which are currently considered direct service connection cases.