Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, low back disorder, and cervical disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and tinnitus have been reopened. The Board found new evidence that supports the claim of tinnitus having onset during active service and is related to a service-connected TBI.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is not about service connection at all, but rather about rating decisions and remands for additional examinations or evidence. The appeals are related to his headaches, PTSD, right wrist overuse syndrome, left wrist overuse syndrome, and central serous retinopathy with diplopia.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical strain is being remanded due to the need for a more comprehensive examination.

The Board denied service connection for thoracic and cervical spine disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his military service.

Service connection for a lumbar spine herniated disc disability is granted. The appeal seeking service connection for left Achilles tendonitis is dismissed. From April 21, 2010, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted. Issues related to increased ratings and secondary service connection are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for left carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, PTSD, and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete VA opinions and need for further examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a cervical spine disability, including progressive degenerative changes with C1-C2 instability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and his § 1151 claim for cervical spine degenerative arthritis is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in the September 2018 VA examiner's opinion regarding whether the Veteran’s cervical spine disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, hearing loss, and tinnitus due to incomplete information from the Veteran regarding her private treatment records. The RO is instructed to attempt to obtain updated contact information and any missing medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar radiculopathy of the lower extremities bilaterally, hip arthralgia bilaterally, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, torn meniscus of the knees bilaterally, cervical radiculopathy of the upper extremities bilaterally, and thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease were denied as they are not earlier than May 10, 2011.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine disability, urinary incontinence, residuals of a TBI, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy, to include as due to a service connected disability, and total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service connected disabilities. Additional development is required including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as her initial compensable disability ratings for cervical dysplasia and eczematous dermatitis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination and lack of a rationale for the examiner's opinion. The Veteran’s back disability is being reviewed again with new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to adequately attend to his daily living needs without regular aid and attendance, thus granting special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including the service connection for various disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The initial rating for DJD, DDD, and mild scoliosis of the thoracic and lumbar spine was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were also denied. Service connection for a cervical spine disorder, cardiovascular disorder (specifically congenital bicuspid aortic valve with insufficiency heart murmur), hypertension, IBS, umbilical hernia, and prostatitis was granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service. The Board found that the Veteran did not have right ear hearing loss, hypertension, vision condition (due to refractive error), psychiatric condition, cervical spine condition, left shoulder condition, or right shoulder condition during his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a neck disability, an acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety, adjustment disorder, depression, and PTSD), GERD, and sleep apnea due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric condition could significantly impact decisions on his secondary service connection claims for GERD and sleep apnea.