Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development, including failing to schedule a VA examination and obtain private treatment records. The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine strain with degenerative disc disease is being reviewed for an increased disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, neck, left knee, right knee, and right ankle disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disability secondary to a spine disability. The issues are related to service connection based on aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical and lumbar spine conditions due to insufficient examination reports addressing the probative value of lay statements regarding earlier onset dates.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete service treatment records and a need to review newly submitted evidence, including a VA examination for PTSD.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine condition, finding that it began during active service and is related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical strain is denied. The Board has found that the evidence does not support a higher rating, as the Veteran does not experience forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees, but not greater than 30 degrees; a combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for vision convergence and accommodation insufficiency is remanded due to inadequate examination findings.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, neck disability, and bilateral foot disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active military service.

The Board denied service connection for neck disability, change in color in the hands, headaches, and weakness in the arm and numbness in the fingers.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability, finding that there was no evidence showing a chronic condition during service or any link between current symptoms and military service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because he did not provide the necessary information to show he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to a neck strain he suffered in service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's cervical spine disability and kidney disorder are service-connected, but his left ear hearing loss and lumbar spine disability have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and the cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that these ratings are appropriate based on the evidence of record.,The Veteran’s cervical spine disability has not resulted in ankylosis or incapacitating episodes as required for higher ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for neck and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to a high-speed ejection from an aircraft during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities due to outstanding medical questions and the need for additional evidence. The AOJ is instructed to obtain relevant VA and private treatment records, arrange for a VA examination, and re-adjudicate the issues.

The Board has dismissed all the veteran's appeals for various disabilities, including cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spurs and metatarsalgia, posterior thigh muscle (left thigh disability), hypertension, inguinal hernia, kidney stones, and generalized anxiety disorder. The appeals were withdrawn by the veteran's representative on September 21, 2020.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate assistance in fulfilling its duty to assist, specifically regarding the evaluation of the Veteran's cervical spondylosis. A new VA examination is required to determine the current severity of her service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and reconsideration of service connection claims, including a gynecological disorder (cervical dysplasia), an upper respiratory condition (COPD), a psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder, NOS), and a liver disorder (hepatitis C).