Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions addressing all theories of entitlement. The lumbar spine condition is also remanded for an adequate VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has remanded the case to determine if an extra-schedular TDIU rating is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for persistent depressive disorder and cervicalgia were denied as there was no evidence of a claim prior to April 28, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantial gainful employment, and the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability have not been met.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected neck disability, finding that the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) requiring bedrest prescribed by a physician.

The Board has determined that the medical expenses incurred at Macon County General Hospital on July 21, 2012 were eligible for reimbursement due to the nature of the emergency and the unavailability of a VA facility.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for new examinations, as the previous VA examinations did not comply with Correia v. McDonald requirements.

The Veteran's low back condition and sleep apnea were denied service connection, but his cervical spine degenerative disc disease was granted a rating of 30 percent effective April 9, 2014.

The Veteran's cervical spine condition and right upper extremity radiculopathy are granted service connection. The left upper extremity radiculopathy, back condition, and right knee conditions are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination as they pertain to service connection for TBI, neck disability, spinal fusion (low back disorder), and headaches.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination report and a need for compliance with the Court's order granting the parties' joint motion to remand. The Veteran is required to submit lay statements from himself and others who have first-hand knowledge of his neck problems, and a VA examination must be conducted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals, status post reduction mammoplasty (including breast numbness) is granted. The Board also remanded the claims for left wrist disability, low back disability, neck disability, and migraine headaches.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for an updated VA examination and a determination of whether the Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to service, specifically considering the combat presumption.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neck disorders and whether they are related to service. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of a cold injury, right ankle disorder, left knee disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and various spine disorders have all been denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions regarding these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and cervical spine disability, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The decision is final.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her cervical spine disability and left knee condition are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly address the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected neck disability, right ankle disability, and deviated septum. The VA examinations conducted in September 2016 are deemed inadequate for these purposes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, bilateral knee disabilities, neck disability, and other joint disabilities due to inadequate development and examination.