Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and erectile dysfunction, but has remanded the cases of cervical spine disorder and lumbar spine disorder due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for radiculopathy of the cervical spine, right upper extremity; radiculopathy of the cervical spine, left upper extremity; and degenerative disc disease cervical spine. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to a duty-to-assist error. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for left knee disability, hemorrhoids, right shoulder scar, or cervical spine disability.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for a rating in excess of 40 percent for a spine disability, including degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral strain, and cervical strain. The Board dismissed the appeal as per the Veteran's request.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities due to incomplete service treatment records and a lack of verification regarding his reported injuries during service.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations and earlier effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,The Veteran is also facing issues related to a TDIU, DEA benefits, and SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's appeals were denied in part. Her earlier effective date for residuals of stage 1B cervical cancer resulting from a radical hysterectomy was not granted, and she did not receive a compensable rating for her female sexual arousal disorder or compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for her collapsed lung.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a left leg disability, cervical spine disability, and left elbow disability due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations. The Veteran is required to undergo additional examination(s) to determine if his disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, and his DIC benefits claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 was denied.

The Veteran's DDD with osteoarthritis (claimed as cervical spine condition) and right shoulder strain have been granted service connection.,Service connection has also been granted for left shoulder strain with impingement, which is considered secondary to the Veteran’s DDD with osteoarthritis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated private treatment records and VA examination reports. The issues of increased ratings for cervical spondylosis, myoclonic jerking of the lower extremities, and service connection for a heart disability are all remanded.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 30 percent prior to August 16, 2018 and is now rated at 40 percent since that date.,Issues related to the Veteran's voice disturbance, scars from nevi removal, and scars from cervical fusion are still pending.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disability due to new and material evidence. The issues of increased ratings for left knee degenerative arthritis and instability, as well as rating for left total knee replacement are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for neck, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to outstanding VA treatment records and SSA records. The Veteran is also being asked to undergo a new VA audiological examination.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and a cervical spine disorder as there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors or injury, respectively.

The Veteran's neck and left upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities are remanded for further evaluation due to recent assertions of increased severity.

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are needed to assess the current severity and manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability, hypertension, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and sleep apnea. The issues of entitlement to initial ratings for these conditions have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations, service connection, and other issues are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to re-open claims for service connection for low back disability, neck disability, bilateral knee disability, lumbar radiculopathy, and hypertension. The claims are remanded for additional development including examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate rationale in previous VA examinations and a need for additional development.