Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder rotator cuff injuries and cervical spine strain are remanded. The Veteran's hypertension claim is also remanded due to the National Academy of Sciences' categorization of hypertension as 'limited or suggestive evidence of an association' with herbicide exposure. His erectile dysfunction claim is also remanded, including whether it is related to service-connected PTSD, hypertension, and/or cervical spine strain.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to its being intertwined with the issues of service connection.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at the minimum compensable level of 10 percent, effective December 29, 2012. The other conditions have been granted service connection.

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

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine, right shoulder, lumbar spine, and left leg disabilities due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine is granted at a 40 percent rating prior to May 8, 2015. Other conditions are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's bilateral flat feet are related to his military service.,The Veteran’s right ankle disability, diagnosed as posterior tibial tendonitis and osteoarthritis, is related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including ankle, elbow, foot, hip, knee, shoulder, wrist, neck, back, GERD, hypertension, and eye conditions. The evidence did not show any in-service injury or incident that could be linked to these conditions.,There is no current evidence of a diagnosed disability related to the claimed ankle, elbow, foot, hip, knee, shoulder, wrist, neck, back, GERD, hypertension, or eye disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to a duty to assist error. The VA medical opinions obtained prior to the November 2019 decision on appeal were inadequate and do not address the Veteran's lay statements or in-service reports of pain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical strain and degenerative arthritis of the spine, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to her active service.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the Veteran's right shoulder, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disabilities. The Veteran is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, and left knee disabilities are being remanded for further development.,Service connection is not granted for the residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or headache disability.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine and left shoulder disabilities, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not originate in service or within a year of service.,The Board also denied TDIU due to the Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to address his claims of increased ratings and effective dates.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck disability is related to service, and therefore grants service connection for a cervical spine (neck) disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his continuous right wrist symptoms since service. The claim will be reconsidered with an updated examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases due to failure to schedule VA examinations as directed in a previous decision. The Veteran is advised that failing to attend these exams will result in their consideration based on the evidence of record.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine, bilateral hip, bilateral hand, and bilateral elbow disorders due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.,Service connection was also denied for obstructive sleep apnea, as there were no in-service complaints or diagnoses of this condition.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened and granted, with a maximum schedular rating of 10 percent.,Service connection for cervical and lumbar disabilities is remanded due to the need for additional records from SSA.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability is dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability is dismissed.,Service connection for the respiratory disability, to include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), granted based on exposure to asbestos during service. The low back disability was also granted as service connected.