Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various spinal disabilities were denied. The cervical spine disability was not found to be related to service, while the lumbar spine, sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and femoral nerve radiculopathy issues did not meet the criteria for higher initial rating.

The Board denied service connection for a right below knee amputation and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, as well as an increased rating for cervical spine disability. The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to August 2, 2012 was also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for cervical neck disability, right shoulder disability, and bilateral upper extremity numbness due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his neck and back disabilities have been denied. The evidence does not show the required functional limitations to warrant higher ratings.,For the period prior to June 16, 2019, the Veteran’s cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5242 for a neck disability. From June 16, 2019, the rating remained at 20 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, to include as secondary to plantar fasciitis. The Veteran's current cervical strain was not linked to her active duty service or any service-connected condition.,Service connection for a skin disability of the bilateral toes was also denied. The VA examiner found no evidence of onychomycosis in service and concluded that it is less likely than not caused by exposure to unclean bathrooms during military service.,The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability, to include as secondary to plantar fasciitis and/or a cervical spine disability. The VA examiner noted normal gait mechanics and found no evidence of permanent aggravation.

The Board has granted service connection for neck and back disabilities, finding the evidence at least in equipoise that these conditions are related to the Veteran's 1977 motor vehicle accident during active service. Service connection is denied for a left shoulder disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for neck disability, low back disability, and head injury due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Veteran's reduced rating for degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine was not proper and a restoration of the 20 percent rating is granted. The issue of increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spines remains remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of orthostatic proteinuria, plantar warts, and cervical spondylosis. The decision also remanded several other issues.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations and opinions are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection due to the complexity of his conditions and the need to consider all relevant evidence, including statements from those who served with him.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete development of records, including a lack of proper range of motion testing. The Veteran is also in receipt of SMC benefits which have rendered moot his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis with spondylolisthesis and cervical spine degenerative joint disease have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent each, effective January 9, 2018. The issues are considered resolved.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, diabetes mellitus, and sleep apnea due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for new examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her psychiatric disability is granted, and the case is remanded to determine if she is entitled to an increased rating.,Service connection for fibromyalgia as secondary to service-connected rhabdomyolysis is granted. The case is also remanded to assess whether the Veteran is entitled to a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability and has determined that he is entitled to service connection based on continuous symptoms since service.

The Board has dismissed all pending claims due to the death of both the Veteran and his surviving spouse.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to his current condition and that it is less likely than not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected neck disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claims are now pending for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to conflicting medical opinions and the need for additional development.