Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability and residuals of head injury as the evidence did not show that these conditions began during or were otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was denied an increased rating to more than 20 percent.,The Veteran's right foot hallux valgus and left foot hallux valgus were both denied increased ratings to more than 10 percent.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity disabilities have been granted increased ratings of 40 percent and 30 percent, respectively, for moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's cervical spine DJD was granted a disability rating of 30 percent from December 27, 2006 to May 29, 2019. For the entire initial disability rating period on appeal, an increased rating for cervical spine DJD is denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including cervical spine disability, right and left hip disabilities, left wrist and elbow disabilities, psychiatric disability, sleep disability, and gastrointestinal disability. The effective dates for service connection are also being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions do not preclude all substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him.

The Veteran's degenerative disk disease of the cervical spine prior to January 8, 2019 is currently rated at 20 percent and does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and neck disabilities, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 50 percent prior to December 6, 2018. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU for the period prior to November 13, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 10, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA and SSA records, and a new examination is required.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of various conditions as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis, hypertension, and knee disabilities due to inadequate opinions in previous examinations.

The Veteran's claims for chest pain, neck strain and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, limitation of flexion due to right hip and left hip strains, limitation of extension due to right hip and left hip strains, and limitation of abduction due to right hip strain are being remanded. The Veteran's TBI residuals and cervicogenic headaches (claimed as headaches) prior to November 5, 2010, from November 5, 2010 to October 1, 2019, prior to October 2, 2019, from October 2, 2019 onward, and cervicogenic headaches from October 2, 2019 onward are also being remanded. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical strain, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The TDIU claim is also before the Board.

The Veteran's increased ratings for degenerative cervical disc disease and bilateral hearing loss are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA aid and attendance examination to determine if the Veteran requires regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for mild degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine. The remaining claims for right carpal tunnel syndrome and right lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and a neck disability, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease leading to current disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an equipment purchase of an adjustable king or queen size bed and ergonomic chair through the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) program, finding that such purchases were not necessary to achieve his independent living goal.