Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for a back disability, neck disability, and tinnitus. The cases are now remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development due to deficiencies in prior VA examinations and new evidence received after the April 2020 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disability was denied as there is no evidence of chronic or long-term headaches during active service, and the current condition is not related to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability was granted as his current cervical strain and degenerative arthritis are at least as likely as not caused by carrying a radio on his back during active service.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to inadequate VA medical opinions addressing the cumulative effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability. A new opinion is needed.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities. Service connection was granted for tinnitus.,Service connection was not established for the Veteran's low back, neck, or knee conditions as they are not related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disability, hypertension, and hypothyroidism due to inadequate examinations and failure to consider all relevant evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination. The issues include low back disability, neck disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and headaches.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure to toxins, as well as his knee and back disabilities. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine and cervical spine due to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for hemorrhoids, right knee disability, lumbosacral spine disability, and cervical spine disability.,The Board also denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's posttraumatic headaches have been rated at 30 percent since January 31, 2012.,Cervical and thoracolumbar spine disorders are both remanded for further evaluation.,Residuals of TBI are also remanded for further evaluation.,Hypertension is remanded to determine if it is secondary to service-connected TBI or PTSD.,Right ear pain associated with the TBI is also remanded for a determination on its etiology.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as the separate radiculopathy disabilities, are remanded. Additionally, the claim for service connection for bilateral thrombophlebitis is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals from bilateral upper extremity cold injury is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran sustained a cold weather injury to his upper extremities during active duty and now experiences residuals of this injury. The Board affirms the grant of service connection for these residuals, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 30 percent, the highest available rating based on limitation of motion under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of ankylosis or IVDS requiring bed rest.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the VA examination for myofascial syndrome and cervical spine disability. The Veteran's initial rating for myofascial syndrome remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his cervical spine disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and lumbar spine disability is granted. The claims for right upper extremity radiculopathy and right lower extremity radiculopathy are also granted with specific ratings.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and cervical spine disorder, finding no evidence of a chronic condition in service or later that is related to military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete personnel records and inconsistencies in his statements regarding the onset of various conditions. The issues will be reconsidered after obtaining all available service records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, but the appeal is remanded for further examination and evaluation regarding a neurological disorder (to include Parkinson's disease), heart disability, chest disability, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and major depressive disorder.