Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability and additional records are needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment from October 18, 2013. The Board has granted a TDIU for this period.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran's dystonia, thoracolumbar spine condition, and cervical spine condition associated with dystonia are all rated at 30 percent each.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hip disability was reopened and granted. Service connection is also granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder), but denied for left knee, low back, cervical spine, and right shoulder disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The Veteran's cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities are being reviewed again, with an addendum opinion required regarding whether these conditions are aggravated by his service-connected TBI.

The Board has denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, hypertension, psoriasis, and migraine headaches. The case is remanded to determine the relationship between the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and her service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate are being remanded due to the complexity of the issues, requiring an independent medical expert opinion from an orthopedic surgeon.