Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

Service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy was granted in a December 2019 rating decision and is therefore dismissed.,New and material evidence has not been received to reopen claims of service connection for rhinitis, hypertension, or bilateral hip disability.,Service connection for a brain disability, neck disability, and ED have not been established due to lack of in-service incurrence or aggravation.,Service connection for vertigo/syncope is remanded as no examination has been conducted.,Service connection for diabetes is remanded as deck logs are needed to determine potential exposure to herbicide agents.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, neck disability, bilateral shoulder disability, right index finger disability, right great toe disability, and bilateral elbow and ankle disabilities due to inadequate opinions in the VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical strain renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his education and work history, which includes limited physical labor experience and a 9th grade education.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to new evidence received after the last supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). The Veteran's cervical spine disability and migraine headaches are being evaluated further.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and neck disabilities, as well as his headaches (including as secondary to a neck disability), are not service-connected due to insufficient evidence. The case is being remanded for further examination and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, right knee disorder, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, headaches with dizziness, and left thumb disability. The appeals are now pending before VA for further examination and determination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including asbestosis, cervical and lumbar spine conditions, shoulder osteoarthritis, tinnitus, knee degenerative arthritis, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability (including as secondary to cervical spine disability), and left knee disability. The Board found that the pre-existing cervical spine disability did not worsen during service, and there was no evidence of a current lumbar or left knee disability related to service. The Veteran's left knee disability is presumed to have been sound at entry into service.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine condition, right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injuries and his current diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left hand disorder and a cervical spine disorder due to incomplete compliance with prior remand directives. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability effective January 28, 2010. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an upper back and/or neck disability is remanded. The issue of TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied due to lack of evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow any substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability is granted. The claims for an increased rating for low back disability and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims, including for cirrhosis of the liver, GERD, prostate enlargement, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine (neck condition), and bilateral upper extremity neuropathy. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including low back disorder, cervical spine disorder, bilateral knee disorders, bilateral foot disorders, anxiety disorder, and sleep disorder. The VA is instructed to obtain relevant post-service treatment records and schedule a VA examination to determine if these conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of his cervical spine disability and neuropathy. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for radiculopathy or cervical spine disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition and cervical degenerative disc disease, both found to be secondary to the Veteran's service-connected knee conditions. Service connection for a bilateral hip condition is also granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The nasal disability claim is denied, while the neck disability claim requires additional medical examination and opinion.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical spine and headache disabilities, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for service-connected headaches and remanded the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected cervical spine strain due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to assess his current level of impairment.