Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is denied as not service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the need for aid and assistance on a regular basis to feed himself, keep himself clean and presentable, and protect him from the hazards or dangers inherent in his daily environment. As such, the claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a neck disability due to new and material evidence. The issue of increased rating for residuals of left parotidectomy is remanded as there are no compensable ratings available under current VA regulations. Other issues such as left shoulder disability, tonsillar cancer, diabetes mellitus, and cardiomyopathy are also remanded.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for headaches was granted, and he is now entitled to this benefit.,Service connection has been established for headaches. The Board found that the Veteran's current headaches are etiologically related to his time in service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for cervical spine DJD and DDD, increased rating for right clubfoot with hammer toes and limited ankle motion since June 11, 2003, and TDIU prior to May 10, 2019. The Veteran is requested to provide release forms for relevant medical records and undergo VA evaluations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right foot condition and cervical spine condition, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded four issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including heart disability, asthma, lumbosacral strain, and cervical spine disability. The remand requests additional examinations for cardiac and orthopedic disabilities.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for breathing problems, neck disability, right knee disability, right ankle disability, ulcerative colitis, pre-cancer of the colon (claimed as colon cancer), headaches, epigastric hernia, and bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including new examinations and etiology opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine has been reopened, but the issue remains remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral spine degenerative joint disease and cervical spine degenerative joint disease have been dismissed due to the Veteran's authorized representative submitting a written withdrawal of these claims prior to the Board decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current neck disability is related to his service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and earlier effective dates were withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an extraschedular rating for his cervical spine disability was denied as the symptoms and functional impairment are adequately described by the existing schedular criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is granted. The Board finds the Veteran has current diagnoses of non-obstructive coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease, which are included under the definition of ischemic heart disease. Service connection for these conditions is granted as a result of exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. Other claims related to other disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to deficiencies in the reasons and bases of the January 2019 decision, specifically regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities. The case is now back with the Board for further review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The issue is now remanded for further development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and providing an adequate VA medical opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, right wrist disability, and cervical spine disability as there is no evidence that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability is remanded due to the need for updated medical evidence and an examination.