Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical dysplasia, depressive disorder (not otherwise specified), COPD, and Hepatitis C due to additional development of her records.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of cervical radiculopathy due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The Board granted a 50% rating for sleep apnea, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has denied service connection for right leg length discrepancy and neck disability, but has remanded the issue of throat disability due to lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's initial rating appeals for cervical spine disability and right knee disability were denied. The Veteran received a separate 20 percent rating for moderate instability and subluxation of the right knee from November 1, 2018 to May 22, 2019.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as he has requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a cervical spine disability due to an inadequate VA examination. The examiner did not consider the Veteran's reports of continuous neck pain since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete development of records, including from private sources. The VA must obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of all current left wrist and elbow disorders, as well as neurological disorders of the left upper extremity.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions, including myxoid liposarcoma and lymphedema. The issues were not addressed based on a presumption due to exposure to ionizing radiation or other specific service environment.

The Board dismissed the appeal of service connection for cervical spine disorder due to the appellant's withdrawal request prior to a decision being made.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to failure of the Veteran to report for a scheduled VA examination. The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining new evidence and scheduling the Veteran for an examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The lower back condition and cervical IVDS are being reviewed again as they may be related to military service.

Service connection is granted for cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities.,Service connection is granted for a respiratory disability (mild restrictive lung disease).,Service connection is denied for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome with arthritis, as there is no current diagnosis or medical nexus to service.,Service connection is denied for chronic headaches, as the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis and there is insufficient evidence of a link to service.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, cervical spine disability, thoracic spine disability, and peripheral neuropathy disabilities of the lower extremities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, now diagnosed as bipolar disorder, was increased to a 50% rating effective May 2, 2016.,The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of May 2, 2016 for the award of a 50% rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's application to reopen her claim for service connection of a cervical spine disorder was granted. However, the claim itself remains denied as there is no evidence linking the current condition to active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to missing service treatment records and other issues. The Veteran is being asked to provide additional information about his military service, including any places of treatment during his second period of active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a balance disorder of unknown etiology was granted with an effective date of March 28, 1979. The other issues were remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder, back, and neck disabilities due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions. The AOJ is instructed to locate missing in-service accident records and obtain any relevant private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension at the aid and attendance or housebound rates was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit due to his functional limitations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar and cervical spine are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.