Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for arthritis, right knee; chondromalacia, Baker’s cyst, and possible fibroma, left knee; slipped discs of the spine (cervical and thoracolumbar); depression; and hypertension have been granted.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's stomach disorder, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), left elbow disorder, right elbow disorder, left shoulder disorder, and right shoulder disorder are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for cervical spine disorder is denied. Separate ratings of 30 percent and 40 percent are granted for moderate incomplete radiculopathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity, respectively.

The Veteran's back condition is granted service connection, and his right lower extremity radiculopathy is also granted as secondary to the back disability. The neck condition is granted service connection on a direct basis. Service connection for left leg, right ankle, and right big toe disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine IVDS, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and right knee degenerative joint disease are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection of a neck disability due to incomplete records and the need to obtain additional evidence from Social Security Administration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for uterine cancer (cervical condition) is granted.,Service connection for pulmonary vascular disease, migraine headaches, and left leg condition are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and an in-service injury or event.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including the TDIU claim and service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's attorney requested copies of the curriculum vitae of VA examiners who conducted examinations on his behalf.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that her current cervical spine condition is at least as likely as not caused by or related to her service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran is unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities since March 1, 2014. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU have been met from this date.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C due to new and material evidence. The issues of secondary service connection for heart and bone disabilities, neck disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and evaluation of back disability in excess of assigned ratings are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for neck/cervical and low back/lumbar disabilities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to her active duty service or service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The nerve damage, arthritis of the cervical spine, and arthritis of the shoulders claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his cervical spine disorder prior to January 13, 2006 was denied. The Board also denied entitlement to TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to March 18, 2008 and granted TDIU on an extraschedular basis as of March 18, 2008.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical strain and lumbosacral strain, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for cervical spine DDD and chronic lumbar strain due to deficiencies in the VA examination reports, particularly regarding range of motion testing. The Veteran is requested to provide additional information and evidence, and a new VA examination will be arranged.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disability and respiratory disorder due to inadequate medical opinions. The VA will need to provide a new examination and obtain an adequate opinion regarding the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is not service connected, while his low back disability (DDD) remains under review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and low back disability with degenerative joint disease due to missing VA examinations. The Veteran was hospitalized and moved to a nursing home, which may have prevented him from attending the scheduled exams.