Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates and increased ratings have been dismissed as the issues were not properly raised in his notices of disagreement.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed thoracolumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities are not service-connected as they are not related to his military service.

The Board has not readjudicated the claim for a higher rating for cervical spine disability since the Veteran's death, and the appeal is being remanded to correct this issue.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for migraine headaches and neck disability has been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. Additional medical opinion is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical strain disability is related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and cervical spine disabilities, as they may be related to her bilateral knee disability. The Veteran will need to provide updated medical records and undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for esophageal disability, intestinal disability, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability due to incomplete or insufficient medical opinions provided by VA examiners. The claims are being returned for additional examinations and opinions that address direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various disabilities, including cervical spine disability, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, left hip disorder, left ankle disorder, and left foot disorder. The claims are pending before the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Veteran's appeal for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The claim for service connection for back pain is reopened and granted to this extent only. Service connection for left elbow disability is denied. The appeals for back, neck, and bilateral foot disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's statements regarding his cervical spine injury and the need for a new VA medical opinion.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including increased ratings for cervical spine disability, right upper extremity neurological disorder, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right fifth metacarpal fracture, and left index finger fracture. The issues also include eligibility for financial assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only, specially adapted housing or special home adaptation, and special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining a new VA opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's cervical myelopathy and hepatitis C. The issues are related to service connection under direct theory.

The Veteran's left upper extremity median nerve neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome are rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that they more closely approximate a 20 percent rating for moderate incomplete paralysis. The TDIU claim is referred to VA's Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed back and neck conditions, finding that these conditions are directly related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection. Specifically, a VA examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of any sleep disorder, and outstanding records are requested.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for thoracolumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder due to a lack of continuity in medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim from February 3, 2015 is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran is unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities and remands for further examination on issues of service connection.