Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of cervical spine strain remains denied. The Board has found that the current 30 percent rating is appropriate, as there is no evidence of ankylosis or associated neurological manifestations. For right and left ankle disabilities, the claims are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's cervical spine arthritis is granted as service connected, with the Board finding that it began in service and has continued since.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete VA examinations. The Veteran's claims of service connection for neck and bilateral hip disabilities are being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disability caused by treatment received at a VA facility in November 2014 was denied due to the lack of evidence showing that the carelessness, negligence, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA proximately caused his disabilities. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied as he does not have any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's disabilities, specifically vertigo with ear pain, neck disability, and back disability.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a right shoulder disability, cervical spine DJD, cervical radiculopathy, and diabetes mellitus type II are being returned to the AOJ for additional examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical trapezius disability, claimed as muscle tension (neck disorder), to include as secondary to service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).,The Board has also granted service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of July 10, 2003 for the awards of service connection for right and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy.

The Board denied service connection for right knee, right shoulder, cervical spine (post-C2-6 fusion), and lumbar spine DJD as the evidence did not support a causal relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations obtained are inadequate and requires additional opinions to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of various disabilities, including cervical spine, left knee, right knee, right wrist, and right shoulder.

The Board denied service connection for cervical, low back, right knee, left knee, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities as well as vertigo and lung/breathing disability. The Board found no medical evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active service.,Service connection was not granted on a direct basis due to lack of a medical nexus between the current conditions and active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various lower extremity and back disorders due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical evidence or information, and a new VA examination will be conducted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, and right hand carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's PTSD and mood disorder were also not granted an initial rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for a cervical spine disability, right foot disability, left foot disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and an acquired psychiatric disability due to inadequate examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinions and further development is needed before a decision can be made on the Veteran's TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including MDD, PTSD, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy of the upper extremities, and migraine headaches, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment throughout the entire appeal period prior to December 19, 2013. As a result, he is granted a TDIU rating.

The Board denied service connection for a right arm disorder, the residuals of a left wrist disorder, and cervical spine disorders. The Veteran's right arm disorder is not considered to have begun during active service or be related to an in-service injury.,Service connection was also denied for hypertension as there is no evidence that it began during active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neurological disability, specifically carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. A new VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities, arthritis, and a nerve condition. The Board has withdrawn some claims and remanded others for further review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability did not begin during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is secondary to his service-connected thoracolumbar spine condition.