Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his cervical spine disability, right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, diabetes mellitus (secondary), and aid and attendance.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not rated higher than the current levels.

The Veteran's PTSD, cervical spine disability, left foot disability, and other service-connected conditions are all rated at the highest possible level (70%), but his claims for low back disability, radiculopathy of the right leg, bilateral hearing loss, carpal tunnel syndromes, and elbow/thumb disabilities have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities have been granted. The Board also remanded several issues including increased ratings for bilateral knee conditions, OSA, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for migraines, as it was granted in a prior decision.,For the left upper extremity radiculopathy, the Veteran is not entitled to a rating higher than 20 percent before August 8, 2019 and 30 percent thereafter. For the right upper extremity radiculopathy, the Veteran is not entitled to a rating higher than 20 percent throughout the appeal period.,For the left lower extremity radiculopathy, the Veteran is not entitled to a rating higher than 20 percent before August 8, 2019 and 20 percent thereafter. For the right lower extremity radiculopathy, the Veteran is not entitled to a rating higher than 20 percent throughout the appeal period.,For the cervical spine disability, the Veteran is not entitled to a rating higher than 20 percent before August 8, 2019 and 30 percent thereafter. For the lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD), the Veteran is not entitled to a rating higher than 20 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Board denied the Veteran's applications to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions, including back disability, neck disability, PTSD, COPD, sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not show a relationship between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar spine disability prior to December 20, 2019 is denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability from December 20, 2019 is also denied.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of left knee and cervical spine conditions have been dismissed. The Board has remanded the issues regarding right knee and right thigh conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to conflicting evidence regarding the etiology of her neurological symptoms. The VA must obtain an addendum opinion clarifying whether these symptoms are related to either her cervical spine or right shoulder disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a right arm condition, including right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy. The Veteran's symptoms were noted in service and have continued since then.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disorder and residual internal and external scars of Caesarean sections, finding no credible evidence linking these conditions to active duty for training.,There is no direct evidence showing that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder or scars from a C-section were incurred during her military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical neck disability is reopened, and the case is remanded to determine if his current disabilities are related to service or aggravated by service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease with myofascial pain syndrome is not rated higher than 20 percent. For the period from December 29, 2016 to May 14, 2018, a 20 percent rating for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease with myofascial pain syndrome has been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for cervical spine disability and right upper extremity radiculitis, as well as his claim for TDIU. The Veteran is to be provided with an adequate examination to assess the severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and hypertension due to incomplete or inadequate opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a cervical spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show that his current condition is related to active service.,His claim for an increased rating of residuals of status-post bunionectomy of the left foot, including on an extraschedular basis, was also denied due to the 10 percent rating currently assigned compensating adequately for his symptoms.

The Veteran's sleep disorder, diabetes mellitus, Type II, peripheral neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities, right shoulder impairment, left shoulder impairment, cervical spine disorder, arthritis of the ankles and hips, and tinnitus are not service-connected as they did not begin during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's cerebrovascular accident, status post is not service-connected as it was first shown years after separation from service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was initially rated at 10% prior to October 11, 2012. A rating of 20% is granted beginning from that date.,For the thoracolumbar spine disability, a denial remains as it did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10%

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evidence collection. Specifically, a new VA examination is required for his left knee disability, cervical radiculopathy of both upper extremities, back condition, right ankle sprain, and left ankle sprain.

The Board denied service connection for a neck (cervical spine) disability and denied entitlement to an increased rating for right shoulder disability.,Service connection was not granted as the Veteran's cervical spine disability is not related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and a need for further examination.