Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's request for reentrance into the VA vocational rehabilitation and employment program, finding that his service-connected disabilities have not worsened to the extent that he is precluded from performing work duties or that the occupation previously found rehabilitated is unsuitable.

The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 10 percent disability rating, but no higher. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc narrowing C5-6 and C7 with bilateral foraminal compromise and diffuse spondylosis of the cervical spine (neck) is remanded.

The claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and a lumbar spine disorder are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a cervical spine disorder and bone disorder are denied. The claim for an increased rating for left shoulder disability is also denied.

The Veteran's stomach disability, including GERD and gastritis, is granted as service connected. The Veteran's neck disability is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for her service-connected cervical spine disorder was increased to 20 percent effective from April 11, 2014. The other issues were either denied or remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back disability and neuropathy of the upper back region due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the onset of these conditions during service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The Board has also remanded the claims for service connection for a shoulder disorder and entitlement to TDIU due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's respiratory condition, diagnosed as COPD, is granted service connection. The cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine conditions, hearing loss, and tinnitus are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent prior to May 9, 2017. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition and a right shoulder condition.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition (including depression and PTSD) and a right shoulder condition are both being remanded due to procedural deficiencies in previous rating decisions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings of right and left knee disabilities, radiculopathy of the upper extremities, and a cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left shoulder adhesive capsulitis, cervical spine disorder, and back disorder due to new evidence of worsening symptoms. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left shoulder disability, as well as an addendum opinion or another VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his diagnosed degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence provided by the Veteran and additional VA treatment records that need to be obtained. The claim will be reconsidered based on all available evidence.

The Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, neck condition, and degenerative arthritis of the spine were denied as there was no evidence of service connection or exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder condition related to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability. The rating for the cervical spine disability remains at 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral feet, neck disability, arm disability, knee disability, leg disability (other than neurologic), hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hydrocele of scrotum with hard knot, and bilateral hearing loss. The decision was based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran is also being asked to provide information about his medical history and any relevant private treatment providers.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine arthritis and radiculopathy in the upper extremities are being remanded due to unclear overlap with his existing service-connected conditions. A VA examination is needed to clarify the nature of these disabilities and their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions provided in previous examinations. The Veteran's statements regarding his military service, including a horseback riding accident, are considered.

The Veteran's Chiari malformation and related conditions are remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding the diagnosis and etiology of her condition.,The Veteran's migraines, right foot condition, and other secondary service connection claims are also remanded for additional development.