Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's cervical spine condition and eczema have been denied service connection, while other issues related to migraine headaches, elbow/forearm strain, right shoulder condition, hypertension, and bilateral knee disabilities have also been denied. The left ankle issue is remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and thoracolumbar strain have been granted a disability rating of 50 percent, effective from March 30, 2018. The cervical strain has not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, neck disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases of cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to insufficient etiological opinions based on inaccurate factual premises. A new opinion is required upon remand.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability rating reduction was improper, and the 40 percent rating is restored. The compensable rating for PFB is denied. The issues of service connection for residuals of a left inguinal herniorrhaphy, cervical spine disability, increased initial ratings for chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, and an increased rating greater than 40 percent for the lumbar spine disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether any cervical spine disability present during the appeals period is related to service, including the Veteran's neck pain complaints noted in 2008. A new VA examination is needed to address these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine disability and its associated radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities. The decision is based on a finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service parachute jumping duties.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disorder is rated at 20 percent, but no higher. Other service-connected conditions are not rated as high.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for tension headaches, right hip replacement, left hip replacement, cervical strain, and lumbosacral strain are remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claims of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and undiagnosed Gulf War illness. Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety) but not for hypertension, stroke residuals, OSA, or headaches.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability but remanded the issue of secondary service connection for headaches to include as secondary to the cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities are rated at the lowest possible level, with no evidence of forward flexion less than 60 degrees or other findings warranting a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical and/or thoracolumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence in the claims file. A VA examination is needed, along with updated treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and right shoulder disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability rating for his traumatic arthritis, cervical spine is remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right upper extremity radiculopathy have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability due to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period prior to July 22, 2011.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's cervical spondylosis is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,The Veteran's left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical radiculopathy are currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board does not find any basis for an increased rating.,The Veteran's right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome is currently rated at 60 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.