Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

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

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in the VA examinations conducted in June 2017, and new examinations are required to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's increased rating for DDD of the lumbar spine is granted. The Board finds a remand is required to obtain new examinations and opinions regarding his cervical spine condition, left knee disability, and TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for shin splints in both lower extremities, right shoulder post-operative scar (Diagnostic Code 7802), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been denied. The Veteran also has had his initial disability ratings for a right shoulder post-operative scar (Diagnostic Codes 7802 and 7804), left fifth finger fracture, and right elbow strain denied.,The Veteran's service connection claim for a cervical spine strain was granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right ankle disability and a cervical spine disability, as well as for a compensable evaluation for onychomycosis of bilateral great toenails.,There is no current evidence of a right ankle disability or tinea pedis (fungal infection) affecting other parts of the Veteran's feet.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for the claims of service connection for various conditions, including adult onset scoliosis, myofascial pain syndrome, syncopal syndrome episode, right wrist carpal tunnel, a chronic shoulder condition, cervical spondylosis, an acquired psychiatric disability, and tibialis tendonitis (left ankle).

The Veteran's claim for a cervical spine condition has been reopened, but the issue of service connection remains denied.,The Veteran's claim for eye disorders has also been reopened. The issue of service connection is still pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions did not have their onset during active service or within a year of separation, and thus denied service connection for all of his knee, ankle, foot, hip, shoulder, and cervical spine disorders.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's cervical spine disability, including ratings for osteoarthritis and radiculopathy of both upper extremities. The TDIU issue is also on hold until further review.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA forms from the Veteran's last employer and private treatment records. The case will also be examined to assess the current severity of the Veteran’s back, neck, and knee disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD and remanded the cervical spondylosis claim due to lack of in-service occurrence and a nexus.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spine due to a lack of recent VA examinations and new, relevant treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of bee sting allergy, lumbosacral degenerative disc disease (lumbosacral disc herniation), cervical spine degenerative joint disease, sleep apnea, and residuals of umbilical hernia surgery have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, lumbosacral spine, and left knee based on range of motion. The appeal is being returned to the RO for additional development.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for dyshidrotic eczema and increased evaluation for myofascial pain of the cervical spine. The claim for service connection for lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether VA's medical treatment was the proximate cause of the appellant's cervical spine disability following a September 2014 posterior fusion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's conditions and their relationship to his military service. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee condition, back condition, neck condition, or cervical radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is proximately due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected right shoulder strain with radiculopathy, degenerative arthritis of the spine with spondylosis, and cervical spine degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was denied a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to July 3, 2013 and from July 3, 2013 to the present.,The Veteran's thoracic spine disability was denied a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to September 24, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, left ankle disorder, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and left carpal tunnel syndrome are remanded due to the need to obtain STRs.