Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's neck and left hip disabilities are granted as service connected, but the left hip disability is denied.

The Veteran's multinodular goiter and postsurgical hypothyroidism are rated at a 60 percent rating, but no higher. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for a cervical spine disability on a direct basis and a rating in excess of 20 percent for scoliosis with mild arthritis changes.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disorder and spinal stenosis of C3 through C5 and C7 do not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to their severity.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back, neck, and bilateral hip disabilities due to new evidence received since the last final denial. The Veteran's parachute jumps are being considered in determining the etiology of his current musculoskeletal conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left and right upper extremities has been reopened.,Service connection for cervical strain is granted, with a rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's current benign prostate hypertrophy, hypertension, and other conditions are not service-connected as they did not have their onset in active military service or for many years thereafter, nor is it shown to be related to such service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left elbow disability did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to a disease or injury incurred in service. The claim for service connection for this condition is denied.

Service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and bilateral pes planus and bilateral foot disabilities has been granted.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions are related to his period of active duty.

The Board has denied service connection for a neck condition due to lack of evidence linking the current disability to military service. The claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome are remanded as new examinations are needed.

The Veteran's service connection for left nostril collapse is granted as secondary to her service-connected basal cell carcinoma. The Board also remanded several other issues, including cholelithiasis with acute cholecystitis and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's degenerative joint and disc disease of the cervical spine, claimed as chronic neck pain, is denied because there is no evidence that it began during service or is related to an in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current gallbladder, seizure disorder, or diabetes mellitus disability. The claim for these conditions is denied.,The Board has also determined that the Veteran's neurological disorder and cervical spine disability are remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The right arm and right leg disabilities are also remanded as they may be related to the Veteran’s cervical spine disability.,No effective date was provided in this decision.

The Board denied claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, a heart condition including coronary artery disease and/or residual of myocardial infarction, and hypertension. The Veteran's claims were remanded for further development regarding degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including a TDIU claim, a rating increase for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, and status-post bypass grafts. The issues are inextricably intertwined with each other.

The Veteran's back condition is granted service connection, but his sinus disability and right shoulder and neck disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied as he is not unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a disability of the cervical spine has been reopened. The case is remanded for further evaluation and determination regarding his radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and DDD of the cervical spine.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for degenerative joint disease of the right ring finger (major) was withdrawn. The Board remanded cases involving increased ratings, service connection, and peripheral neuropathy.