Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions and whether they are related to service. The issues include left rotator cuff tear with traumatic arthritis, bone spur on rotator cuff, and nerve impingement syndrome; cervical spine injury; degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine; residuals of a left hip dislocation; and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's neck and lumbosacral disabilities are related to his military service or any other condition. The VA needs to obtain additional medical opinions to clarify these issues.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical strain is being remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for updated treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is aggravated by her service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability was dismissed as the full benefit sought was granted. The benefits for residuals of cervical fusion with radiculopathy in both upper extremities were denied due to lack of proximate cause by VA. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was granted, and the initial rating for PTSD was denied.

From October 17, 2012 to January 16, 2018, the Veteran was granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities of depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain, and cervical strain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, left shoulder, bilateral foot, obstructive sleep apnea, sinusitis, and asthma disabilities due to additional evidentiary development being necessary.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and associated radiculopathy are currently rated at various levels, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and a higher rating for cervical spine disability are being remanded due to issues with the mailing of examination requests.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for left shoulder disability and service connection for cervical spine disability as secondary to the left shoulder disability are being remanded due to new evidence suggesting worsening of his conditions. He will need to undergo VA examinations, and all outstanding records must be obtained.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and need for additional development. The Veteran's mental health, hypertension, cervical spine disability, and back disability are all under review.

The Board has found that further development is necessary for the claims of service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, and left hip disabilities. The Veteran must be provided with VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions and whether they are related to service.

Your appeals have been dismissed as you requested withdrawal of your claims for service connection and an increased rating.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine spondylosis and bilateral upper extremity cervical radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine spondylosis. Service connection was denied for a thoracolumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The Board finds that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder, including somatic symptoms disorder, and whether it is related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities due to a lack of STRs, and the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his hip, knee, and leg conditions. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if any current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for right shoulder, right arm, and neck disabilities. The Veteran was granted a 70 percent rating for anxiety disorder but it remains in appellate status as the maximum schedular rating has not been assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period from October 14, 2009 to June 26, 2012. The Board granted TDIU during this period.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings in all four issues related to cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, right elbow, and left knee conditions.