Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for neck and low back disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's increased ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and associated right and left upper extremity radiculopathy have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,Service connection for left shoulder condition is denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the current condition.,Service connection for right knee strain (right knee condition) is denied due to lack of continuity of symptoms since service.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea claimed as secondary to PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and petitions to reopen his previously denied claims require additional development, including obtaining outstanding records from VA treatment facilities, Army hospitals, workers' compensation claims, and Social Security Administration. The AOJ must also schedule a VA examination to evaluate the Veteran's right shoulder disability.

Service connection granted for a psychiatric disorder (MDD) and headaches.,Service connection denied for left wrist disorder.

The Veteran's headaches are granted service connection and the Board finds it is at least as likely as not that his headaches are secondary to his cervical spine disability. The remaining issues of increased evaluations for osteoarthritis of the hands and cervical spine are remanded.

The Veteran's cervical spine condition is remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to service, including any injuries noted in the service treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issues of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and lumbar spine.

The Veteran's osteopenia, low back and cervical spine disorders, urinary incontinence, and depressive disorder are all granted service connection. The Veteran is also awarded a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding whether the Veteran's urinary dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to service-connected residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran is granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including cervical spine disability, bilateral upper extremity neurological conditions, and psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations used to determine the initial ratings for the Veteran's cervical condition were inadequate and requires further examination. The case is being remanded for a new evaluation.

The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's COPD has been granted an initial compensable rating, but GERD remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection. The remaining issues have been remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand all issues on appeal due to the need for additional service treatment records and personnel records.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine conditions and erectile dysfunction have been denied as the evidence does not establish a direct relationship to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of a link between these conditions and his active duty service. The Board also found that the Veteran is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and the propriety of a reduction in his cervical spine disability rating were dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.