Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating determinations due to procedural issues, lack of medical nexus opinions, and need for additional evidence. The effective date issue remains unresolved.

The Board has restored the 20 percent rating previously assigned for the Veteran's service-connected cervical disability, effective May 25, 2018, due to inadequate VA examinations used in reducing the rating.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 20 percent rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability, effective June 21, 2017. The higher than 20 percent and compensable ratings for restrictive lung disease and tension headaches remain denied.

The Board denied service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his in-service injury or events.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional evaluations of degenerative joint and disc disease of the cervical spine prior to July 30, 2015, and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome due to insufficient medical opinions regarding functional loss during flare-ups.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is granted, as are her bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy. The claim for a higher rating for myofascial pain syndrome is remanded.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the claims of service connection for cervical and thoracic muscle damage, cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, increased ratings for PTSD, cervicogenic headaches, and a cervical spine disability. The earlier effective date claims have also been withdrawn.

The Board denied service connection for cervical and thoracic/lumbar spine disabilities, finding no link to service despite current diagnoses. The evidence did not establish chronicity or continuity of symptoms post-service.

The Board has remanded the claim for an extraschedular TDIU for the period January 31, 2006 through January 1, 2011 due to a lack of a private vocational expert opinion. The Veteran and his attorney are advised to submit this opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a kidney disability and cervical spine disability. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for initial increased ratings for cervical spine, bilateral knee, and bilateral ankle disabilities as well as the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical degenerative disk disease is denied as the disability did not manifest during service and is unrelated to service.,Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied because there is no current diagnosis of CFS at any time during the appeal period.,Service connection for fibromyalgia is remanded due to lack of a current diagnosis. The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is also remanded as it involves complex medical issues and requires further examination and opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's cervical spine disorder with radiculopathy is related to service or his service-connected thoracolumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, the Board has determined that additional development is needed before a determination can be made regarding whether service connection should be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's upper back condition, diagnosed as cervical spondylosis, is service connected. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease, cervical herniated nucleus pulposus at C5-C6, and cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity. The TDIU claim is also on appeal. These issues are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to non-compliance with previous remand directives regarding service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, gouty arthritis, cervical spine disorder, and lumbar spine disorder. The claims for increased ratings for bilateral epidermophytosis and tinea pedis and left foot callosity remain denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the remaining issues including right and left elbow disabilities, lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, GERD with hiatal hernia, and sinusitis. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for consideration of new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including a request for initial RO consideration.