Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's initial disability rating for cervical spine degenerative joint disease status post fusion surgery is granted at a 30 percent level, but the appeal is remanded for further consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Board dismissed the appeal for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to June 28, 2019 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter due to the Veteran's death. The neck disability claim was granted but not addressed further as it is considered part of the same appeal.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives. The Veteran's service connection claims for a left foot disorder and cervical spine disorder are being reviewed.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of the record.

The Board has determined that the July 2020 VA examination was inadequate and remands the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion or scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed cervical spine disability.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine, low back, and right hip disabilities. The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity was not granted as it is considered a separate issue.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for low back and cervical spine disorders due to incomplete records and unclear opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various disabilities due to incomplete development. The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, and no higher rating is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck and back disabilities are service-connected, as his continued problems with these conditions since service are supported by credible lay statements.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to obtain missing service treatment records and determine if any periods of active duty for training or inactive duty training were performed by the Veteran from October 2003 to September 2010. The VA will also schedule a right knee examination and provide a neck conditions addendum.

Service connection for a neck disability and bilateral shoulder disabilities is granted.,A rating of 10% for the right knee disability is denied. A rating greater than 20% for the left knee disability prior to December 12, 2019 is also denied. However, since December 12, 2019, a rating of 40% for the left knee disability is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, migraine disability, and bilateral ankle disabilities have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.,Service connection for vertigo has not been established.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disorder, finding that it is not related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and to clarify his conditions. The issues of right and left upper extremity disabilities, as well as a back disability, are being reviewed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service injury or disease and that there was no manifestation of arthritis within one year following separation from active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, neck, right ankle, right knee, and right shoulder conditions as there is no credible evidence of in-service injury or disease that would support a finding of service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and incomplete records. The issues include right knee, lumbar spine, neck, hypertension, and left eye disorders.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and cervical spine disorder. Service connection was granted for tinnitus. The Board also found that the Veteran's right thumb disorder did not have its onset during active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the Veteran's ability to perform work-like activities due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is currently rated for radiculopathy, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, and other conditions.

The Board dismissed all claims of service connection due to the appellant's withdrawal of her appeals.