Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for Total Disability Rating due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU) from January 23, 2013 to October 15, 2018. The TDIU prior to January 23, 2013 is denied as his service-connected disability does not meet the criteria for a total rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for a migraine disability, neck disability, and left shoulder disability due to the need for new examinations considering additional evidence.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, which include sleep apnea, lumbar and cervical spine conditions, shoulder issues, and a history of heavy physical labor. The Board granted the TDIU based on these factors.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease was granted, with the Board finding that his current condition is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to service, and granted service connection.,The Board has also determined that the Veteran's right shoulder condition is related to service, and granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability (claimed as neck pain) are not related to service, and thus denied these claims. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection as it was shown to be present within a year of separation from service. Service connection for arthritis of the right shoulder, left shoulder, right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee are denied due to lack of in-service injury or disease and no continuity of symptomatology post-service. Service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine is also denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate VA examination opinions and the need for translation of private medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and a left shoulder disorder, both claimed as secondary to a service-connected left ankle disability. Additional evidence is needed from VA and private sources, and another VA examination is required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and the issues of entitlement to increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, and cervical spine disability due to inadequate medical opinions and incomplete examinations.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for a higher disability rating and TDIU prior to August 2, 2012 due to administrative errors.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions, including a cervical spine condition, bilateral neuritis of the upper extremities, hypertension, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol. The decision found no new and material evidence that would support reopening these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a cervical spine disability, as there are insufficient medical opinions and further evidence is needed to determine if his current condition is related to service or any other factors.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical strain is rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that her symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not result in significant or additional functional loss beyond what is contemplated by the current 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and cervical spine conditions, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. A total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a cervical spine disability and TDIU due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his current neck condition and service. The Veteran needs to be provided with an examination to determine if his in-service vehicle accident contributed to his current neck disability.

Service connection is granted for a cervical spine disability, diagnosed as spondylosis, stenosis, and degenerative arthritis. Service connection is also granted for myoclonus of the neck and shoulders secondary to the service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back, neck, bilateral shoulder disabilities, and hypertension due to new evidence received since the last examination.