Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Veteran's DJD of the cervical spine and spondylosis of the lumbar spine are granted as service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence associated with the record, including VA treatment records from June 2019. The Veteran is required to be scheduled for a VA examination to assess his current cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, variously diagnosed as degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, is granted service connection. His cervical spine DDD is denied due to lack of chronicity within the presumptive period. OSA is granted service connection based on aggravation by PTSD. ED secondary to PTSD is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar, cervical, bilateral thumb, and left little finger disabilities. The issues are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, cervical spine degenerative joint and disc disease, lumbar spine degenerative joint and disc disease, bilateral pterygium, and truncal dermatitis and onychomycosis of the bilateral great toe nails require additional development due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.,The Veteran is unable to find and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the conditions are not related to service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including increases in ratings for various conditions and a rating for a posterior neck scar. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical evidence.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various disabilities, including left shoulder, right shoulder, lumbar spine, cervical spine, right knee, and right foot disabilities. Diabetes mellitus is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The appeal as to all other issues is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including shoulder, spine, and knee conditions. The Veteran is to be provided with VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims were dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate them.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active duty service and has been granted. The Board has found the evidence insufficient to establish a link between the neck disability and low back disability and the Veteran's military service, thus remanding for further examination.

The reduction of the disability rating for cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome from 30 percent to 20 percent was not proper, and restoration of the 30 percent rating is granted.,The reduction of the disability rating for carpal tunnel syndrome (right hand) from 30 percent to 10 percent was also not proper, and restoration of the 30 percent rating is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records and examinations since the last decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lower back, neck, and upper back disabilities due to incomplete examination opinions and outstanding records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of her cervical spine, upper extremity neuropathy, urinary disorder, and left hip disabilities. The VA will conduct new examinations and obtain medical opinions on these issues.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to incomplete records and inadequate examination reports. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical evidence, including treatment records from VA facilities and SSA records. He also needs to undergo further examinations for his neck, low back, and right shoulder disabilities, as well as a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine condition, lumbar spine condition, and bladder hernia have been denied.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound has been dismissed. The Veteran's appeal regarding special monthly pension was also dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings, finding that June 18, 2015 was the appropriate date based on receipt of his claims.