Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cervical spine condition and left knee condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his coronary artery disease (CAD) post stent placement is granted, with an initial rating of 60 percent from September 1, 2016 through January 24, 2020. The issue of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for shell fragment wound (SFW) residuals of the left submandibular and lower right paracervical areas with retained foreign bodies is denied.,The Veteran's coronary artery disease (CAD) post stent placement was rated based on its severity, frequency, and duration. The Board found that his condition did not meet criteria for a higher 100 percent rating due to the absence of chronic congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction less than 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck disability, right shoulder disability, right arm disability, and right hand disability due to inadequate VA medical opinions in denying his claims. The case is now pending for further review.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent, and his right upper extremity radiculopathy is also rated at 20 percent. Both conditions are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for coronary artery disease, increased rating for osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, and increased rating for osteoarthritis of the right shoulder. Additional development is required to address outstanding VA treatment records, obtain Workman's Compensation records, and provide a VA opinion regarding the Veteran's heart claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating for PTSD, service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, and sleep apnea. The RO is to obtain private treatment records and schedule VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck disorder, diagnosed as cervical strain, mechanical neck pain, and cervicalgia, is related to her military service. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's migraines, cervical spine degenerative changes, thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left shoulder strain, right elbow epicondylitis, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right ankle strain have been granted higher initial disability ratings. The Veteran also received a 20 percent disability rating for left ankle degenerative changes, residual from left fibula fracture.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and need for further examination. The issues include rating TBI prior to June 21, 2016, PTSD with TBI since June 21, 2016, and TDIU prior to June 21, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including painful motion of the cervical spine, right shoulder, left hip, right hip, left knee, right knee, left ankle, and right ankle associated with undiagnosed illness, have been granted effective April 23, 2007.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities due to insufficient development. The heart disability claim remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back, neck, and right shoulder disabilities due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to obtain relevant treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including new examinations and consideration of updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine, bilateral thumb, and left little finger disabilities. The VA examiners were not able to provide a clear opinion on whether these conditions are secondary to service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of VA examinations and new evidence submitted within one year of the July 2013 rating decision. The Veteran is expected to attend VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease and cervical strain with degenerative joint disease have been granted a 20% rating, effective from the dates specified. Service connection for AC joint arthritis of the right shoulder has also been granted.,A higher rating for AC joint arthritis of the right shoulder is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine from June 29, 2015 through July 14, 2020 was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine from July 15, 2020 onward was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are denied as a matter of law due to failure to report for VA examinations.,An effective date earlier than February 28, 2001, for the low back disability is also denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 10 percent prior to September 3, 2020 and 30 percent thereafter. The Board has remanded the claims for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a causal relationship between his military service and his current condition. The Board also found that his cervical spine disorder was not aggravated by his service-connected back and right shoulder disabilities.