Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical discopathy, finding that it is not secondarily related to his service-connected low back condition or to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of various disabilities, including left knee, right shoulder, spine, cervical myelopathy, and neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, as secondary to the service-connected right knee disability. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and a need for further development, including obtaining service treatment records from the Veteran's first period of active duty and private medical records related to his cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and relationship of his current disabilities to service. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine if any current disabilities are related to service, including exposure to battery fumes during service.

The Board has determined that the reduction in ratings for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities was improper, and the original ratings are restored. The issues of increased ratings for both conditions and TDIU remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,A TDIU claim is also being remanded as it has been raised by the record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck disability and sinus disability due to inadequate VA examinations. The claims will be reviewed after obtaining new medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.,Service connection was denied because there was no clear and unmistakable evidence showing pre-existing lumbar spine condition in service, and the VA examiner found no permanent aggravation during service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right shoulder disability and cervical spine disability, both of which are found to be secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral spine strain with degenerative disc and spondylosis.

The Veteran's back disability, lumbar spine arthritis, and cervical spine disability have been granted service connection. The back disability was reopened due to new evidence showing a current diagnosis of lower back degenerative joint disease. Service connection for the lumbar spine arthritis is based on chronicity in service with continuous symptoms since separation. Service connection for the cervical spine disability is denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or event, and the Veteran's cervical spine arthritis did not manifest within one year of service discharge.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine, cervical spine, left hip, and right hip disorders due to insufficient evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, degenerative bone disease, numbness of the legs, and acquired psychiatric disabilities. The VA examiner found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's claims for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient rationale in the medical opinion provided regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The Veteran needs a new examination and an explanation of whether his current condition is related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to February 3, 2017 did not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's migraines are secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for a neck disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development of records and need for additional medical opinions.