Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Board denied higher evaluations for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine intervertebral disc degeneration and cervical spine DDD, finding that the current ratings of 20 percent are appropriate based on the evidence showing no limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder as the evidence did not show it was incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has denied service connection for a neurological disorder of the hands and remanded the issue of service connection for a cervical spine disability. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative joint disease and traumatic arthritis of the right knee, degenerative joint disease and traumatic arthritis of the left knee, and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease, right heel pain, left heel pain, right hip strain, and left hip osteoarthritis.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in the grant of TDIU. The claims for respiratory disorder and sleep apnea are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease within one year of discharge from active duty or continuity of symptomatology since service. The Board also found that the current cervical spine disorders are less likely related to his service-connected back strain and intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic cervical spine and headache disabilities, finding that there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted an initial rating of 20 percent prior to September 26, 2013. Throughout the appeal period, a higher rating for the cervical spine disability is denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection issues due to incomplete development of records.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his request for withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, cervical spine disability, and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy have collectively prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, left knee, right knee, right ankle, and peripheral neuropathy prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a below-the-knee amputation and multiple joint issues, have resulted in the loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board has ordered further development to determine if these conditions meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for liposarcoma, its secondary effects on his scar and cervical spine, and a temporary total evaluation due to hospitalization or convalescence. The deck logs from USS Forrestal (CV-59) need to be obtained and reviewed to determine if there were fuel leaks during the Veteran's service that could support his claim of exposure to jet fuels. A new VA opinion is needed regarding whether liposarcoma is related to this exposure, and another VA opinion is needed on whether the secondary conditions are at least as likely as not due to or aggravated by liposarcoma.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's upper gastrointestinal disorder and cervical spine disability. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical stenosis. The claims for left and right shoulder strain are remanded due to conflicting medical opinions.

Service connection for Lyme disease, GERD, bilateral plantar fasciitis with degenerative changes, left wrist CTS with cervical radiculopathy, and right wrist CTS is denied.,An initial compensable rating (10%) for GERD is denied. The Veteran's GERD has been well-managed with medication.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, right hip, and cervical spine disabilities based on the Veteran's credible reports of in-service injuries.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, cervical spine disability, bilateral flatfoot, and right shoulder disability. The VA examiners concluded that these conditions are not related to his active duty service.