Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of records, particularly those from VA's VistA imaging system.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted. The TDIU claim from December 17, 2010 has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to new VA examination reports, and the claim for a higher rating for cervical spine arthritis will be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA opinion and a need for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a new medical opinion.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various conditions and a temporary total disability rating. The main issue is that further medical examinations are needed due to the passage of time since previous evaluations.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for chronic posttraumatic migraine headaches associated with cervical strain is granted, while the claims for increased ratings for cervical strain with degenerative disc disease are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spondylosis and stenosis, as well as lumbar spine arthritis, combined with his other disabilities to meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance. The effective date is set at January 30, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine disability, and SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status due to outstanding VA treatment records and scheduling of examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity and a cervical spine disability due to incomplete development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a cervical spine (neck) disability, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred or aggravated during military service.

The Veteran's cervical spine arthritis and left upper extremity radiculopathy are not service-connected, and the claim for a higher rating for DDD of the lumbar spine is denied.

The Veteran's request for clothing allowances based on the use of knee braces is denied because the braces are not used to treat a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis is found to be at least as likely as not related to a superimposed injury during his military service, specifically the 1991 helicopter landing. Service connection for cervical spondylosis is granted.

The Board denied service connection for low back, cervical spine, and headache disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's complaints were acute and resolved with treatment in service, and arthritis was not shown within one year post-service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability and cervical spine disability due to insufficient evidence, including an inadequate VA examination. The case will be returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) with instructions to obtain additional treatment records and provide a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence meeting VA standards.,The Veteran's claim for anxiety disorder was reopened and granted, with the additional evidence showing current diagnosis of anxiety disorder.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, finding that the evidence did not establish a nexus to service or any presumptive conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a neck disability due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its etiology. The case will be returned for further evaluation and an updated opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including TBI with depressive disorder NOS and PTSD, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has determined that the combined effects of his service-connected conditions make it impossible for him to work.