Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining examinations and medical opinions as requested.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations conducted in December 2019 are inadequate and remanded for further development. The issues of service connection for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and cervical radiculopathy must be addressed with new examinations to determine the nature and likely cause of any disabilities present during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding whether his current acquired psychiatric disorder and cervical spine disability are related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and left upper extremity radiculopathy, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has found that another remand is necessary to ensure compliance with its previous remand instructions for VA examinations related to the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is at least as likely as not related to conceded herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical, back, and right hip disorders due to additional development being required. The claims will be reviewed again with consideration of new evidence and in-service incidents.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations. The issues include flat feet, neuropathy of the lower extremities, knee disabilities, neck disability, and back disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine disorder, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's service records indicate a parachute accident in May 1961 that may have caused his current spinal issues.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to December 13, 2012 is remanded due to inadequate development and compliance with previous Board directives.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and right maxillary sinusitis due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and bilateral lower extremity neurological disabilities are being remanded for additional examinations to determine their current severity.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all of his pending claims, including those related to plantar fasciitis, radiculopathy, headaches, and anxiety disorder. The Board dismissed these claims as a result.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple issues are being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The issues of service connection for various foot, knee, cervical spine, shoulder disabilities are being remanded for further examination and analysis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet criteria for higher ratings or service connection in certain cases, but granted a TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and the relationship between service-connected disabilities and his death. The VA needs to provide a clearer explanation for these issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The left forearm fracture (malunion) and left elbow osteoarthritis are both remanded for further review.

The Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The claims for asthma, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence are denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is related to service, but a new VA medical opinion is needed due to previous opinions not addressing all relevant evidence and considerations.