Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not service-connected.,Prior to April 24, 2015, the Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 10 percent. As of April 24, 2015, it was rated at 20 percent but no higher.,The Veteran's hypertension has not required continuous use of medication for control and is not manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or a history thereof, or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more.

Service connection for a cervical spine disorder and headache disorder is denied. The Veteran's eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is granted as of August 7, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for heart disease, migraine, and right wrist disability. Service connection is denied for cervical spine disability, arm disability, right elbow disability, left thigh cyst, and ulcers.

The Board has remanded several rating matters related to the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine conditions, upper and lower extremity radiculopathies, neurogenic bladder, and erectile dysfunction. The issues of effective dates for service connection are also being addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of the cervical spine, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and lumbar spine are remanded for additional examinations to assess their current severity. The Veteran is also remanded for service connection on the merits for a left wrist disability, left shoulder tendinitis, and chest pain.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar and cervical spine conditions have been granted increased ratings, with some periods receiving temporary total ratings for convalescence. Service connection for hypertension has also been remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and his appeals for increased ratings on several service-connected conditions are dismissed. The Veteran was found to be unemployable due to his cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's right knee disorder, left foot numbness, and upper extremity numbness.,These issues have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied all claims for service connection and increased ratings due to lack of current diagnoses or insufficient new and material evidence. The Veteran's sleep apnea claim was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the inadequacy of a VA examination in assessing his cervical spine disability, specifically regarding functional loss due to pain.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis and secondary upper extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is remanded due to significant changes in his symptoms.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for various conditions due to the absence of an adequate substantive appeal. The issue of service connection for headaches, related to Gulf War Illness, is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right, left knee disabilities and cervical spine disability. Additionally, the Board has also granted service connection for radiculopathy of the arms and legs secondary to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cervical spine strain with cervical spondylosis and degenerative changes is denied as his range of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for DDD of the lumbar spine at L4-L5 with spondylosis, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to her in-service motor vehicle accident.,The Board also granted service connection for DDC and DJD of the cervical spine, concluding that the Veteran's current condition is linked to her active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's cervical spine disability needs further evaluation, including additional medical records and a comprehensive opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's GERD is remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology.,The Veteran’s hypertension, linked to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, is remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology.,The Veteran's left wrist disability, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability are remanded for a VA examination to determine their etiology.,The Veteran's prostate cancer, potentially linked to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, is remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology. If service-connected, the bladder incontinence is also remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology.,Prostate cancer may be secondary to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and/or prostate cancer.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability and a bilateral foot disability other than left foot fracture residuals, including pes planus, hallux valgus, and left foot arthritis. An initial rating of 10 percent is also granted for the Veteran's left foot fracture residuals.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome and a neck disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his military service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for back, neck, and left elbow disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood is currently rated at 30 percent.