Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a lumbar and cervical spine injuries due to conflicting evidence regarding pre-service conditions, lack of VA examination records, and potential aggravation by post-service events.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with arthritis is remanded due to the need for additional examination and assessment regarding flare-ups.,The Veteran’s claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person is also remanded as it was inferred from his statements.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to his in-service fall and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine condition, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and that his current condition is not related to any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected chronic cervical strain is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including another VA spine examination and updated medical records.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, diagnosed as cervical disc disease status post discectomy at C4-5 and C5-6, is granted service connection because it was incurred in active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disability, OSA, acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD), and bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete records and inadequate examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates prior to August 10, 2016 were denied.,VA found no evidence of a claim having been filed prior to August 10, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left knee, right knee, or cervical neck disabilities. Service connection for these conditions is therefore denied.,Regarding tinnitus, the Board finds that it is at least as likely as not related to service exposure to noise.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have hearing impairment for VA purposes and denied service connection for hearing loss. The neck disability issue is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his right upper and lower extremity radiculopathy. The remand includes obtaining additional medical opinions regarding the current level of disability in these conditions, as well as obtaining records from the Veteran’s nursing home.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including left foot, knee, shoulder, cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and lumbar radiculopathy of the lower extremities. The decision is based on a lack of evidence demonstrating chronic disability or etiology related to service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent since December 3, 2007. The Board denied a higher rating for the cervical spine strain and GERD.,The Veteran’s TDIU claim was remanded.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, effective from the date of receipt of his claim. The earlier effective date for service connection for migraine headaches is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability. The claim for dental treatment purposes is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his service-connected cervical spine, left shoulder, and right knee disabilities due to insufficient examinations and missing treatment records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches. The claims for PTSD and cervical degenerative joint disease are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his disabilities due to incomplete records, need for VA examinations, and other procedural issues. The Veteran is not entitled to a compensable disability rating for his residuals fractured right ribs T5 through T7 level as he testified that his symptoms include an inability to walk more than a block and run due to pain.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his cervical radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his affective disorder (acquired psychiatric disorder) was denied. The claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities is granted, but the decision does not specify an effective date.