Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an injury to the neck and back due to new evidence. The lung cancer rating is maintained at 30 percent, effective November 1, 2013.

The Veteran is granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent for cervical spondylosis, status post spinal fusion prior to October 12, 2007. The appeal regarding ratings in excess of 10 and 30 percent from October 12, 2007 to February 2, 2017, and from February 3, 2017 respectively is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service treatment records are incomplete and has ordered a remand to obtain additional VA medical records. The Board also ordered VA examinations to determine if the Veteran has each of his claimed disabilities, including whether any preexisting conditions were aggravated by service.

The Board dismissed the appeals for various conditions and issues as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various spine and elbow conditions due to a request for a hearing, and because the case involves state service organizations.

The Veteran's uncontrolled bowel movements, trouble feeding himself, and need for assistance maintaining his own basic hygiene show that he is factually in need of regular aid and attendance of at least one other person. Therefore, the claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance has been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain, tinnitus, and cervical spine arthritis. The Board found that there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within one year post-service, and that any current conditions were not related to his military service.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for thoracic spine disability is denied. Initial compensable ratings are denied for erectile dysfunction and headaches, and effective dates prior to August 31, 2010 are denied for cervical spine disability, ED, and headaches.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or exposure to environmental hazards in Southwest Asia. The Veteran's current diagnoses were attributed to known clinical diagnoses.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed bilateral foot condition, neck sprain, thoracic sprain, and bilateral knee condition. The claims for these conditions are being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left shoulder and cervical spine injuries, finding that there is no current diagnosis related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral shoulder and cervical spine disorders. The examiner must consider the Veteran's lay statements about in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's conditions include psychiatric disorders, cervical spine disability, fibromyalgia, right arm disorder, tinnitus, and IBS.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability has been reopened and remanded. The Veteran's cervical spine strain is also being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities related to his in-service motor vehicle accidents and therefore denied service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, and right hip disabilities. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding residuals of a head injury.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions due to outstanding VA and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in significant mobility limitations and the need for regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has ordered a VA examination to assess his current severity and whether he is in need of such assistance.

The Board has granted service connection for post-traumatic degenerative disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's service-connected migraines.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for GERD, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and left upper extremity radiculopathy as they were not adequately addressed in previous evaluations.