Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar stenosis with radiculopathy, and bilateral hearing loss. The conditions are deemed to have had their onset during service.

The Veteran's diagnosed lumbosacral strain was likely aggravated by his service-connected residuals of a right ankle sprain, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not service-connected. The diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction claims are remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence being received and not reviewed by the AOJ. The Veteran is required to respond or a SSOC will be issued.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records from his National Guard service. The claims will be reviewed with these additional records.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete actions and requests for a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's neck and back disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to missing service records and to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine and right upper extremity/hand disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and medical examination to determine the nature and etiology of any neck and lower back disorders.

The Board has determined that the remand of both cervical spine arthritis and left arm radiculopathy secondary to cervical spine arthritis is necessary due to insufficient exposure information provided by VA examiners.

The Veteran's right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy was granted a 70 percent rating from September 9, 2019. Prior to that date, the Veteran received a 20 percent rating.

The Board has denied service connection for a cervical spine disability and granted a TDIU rating due to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, which precludes him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to failure to report for VA examinations and issues with scheduling. The claims include service connection for psychiatric disorder, left upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's TBI and migraine headaches are remanded for further examination. The cervical spine and low back disabilities are also remanded, as the VA examinations relied on insufficient reasoning.

The Board has remanded the claims for further action due to incomplete evaluations and lack of consideration of lay assertions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder and granted it. Service connection was also granted for cervical strain and left neural foraminal stenosis, but radiculopathy of the right and left upper extremities remains unresolved.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic lumbar strain and service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the cases of cervical spine disability, right foot tendonitis, and left foot tendonitis for further development. The Veteran's current disabilities are related to her military service, but a VA opinion is needed to determine if the left foot tendonitis is secondary to the right foot tendonitis.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The remaining issues of service connection for low back, neck, left shoulder disabilities and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to the need for additional development.