Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2021

The Board denied service connection for left and right shoulder rotator cuff injuries, as well as hypertension. The Veteran's claims were not supported by medical evidence linking these conditions to his active service.,Service connection was also denied for erectile dysfunction (ED) and cervical spine strain.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder. The Veteran's current conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.,The Board also denied service connection for hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea. There is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after the Veteran's separation from service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including his left arm and leg impairments, resulted in complete paralysis of the left side from January 5, 2015. The Veteran was granted separate ratings for each affected limb.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's right cerebellar stroke is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's headaches, migraine and tension are granted as service connected.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of a back condition and cervical spine condition due to inadequate medical opinions regarding direct service connection. The Veteran's reported onset dates are considered, but no examiner provided an opinion considering these dates.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating based on PTSD is moot due to the assignment of a 100% schedular rating. The claims for TDIU and SMC are remanded as further development is needed.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's cervical spine condition prior to April 2, 2014, finding that the evidence did not show forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees or a combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees.

The Veteran's spondylosis of the cervical spine is currently rated at 30 percent, effective January 22, 2019. The Board has found that a higher rating is warranted for this condition prior to January 22, 2019 and from January 22, 2019 onwards due to lack of evidence supporting ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability, which is secondary to his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability. The remand requires an addendum medical opinion from the examiner.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, effective November 25, 2008. The Veteran's cervical spondylosis with degenerative disk disease is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal for this issue. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, sleep apnea, and neck disability are all granted. However, the claim for sleep apnea is denied due to lack of in-service onset or relationship.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities due to inadequate examinations in prior decisions. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to determine the current severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU have been granted ratings of 40 percent since July 25, 2005.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate for the period from December 22, 2014 to October 21, 2019 due to service-connected PTSD. Chapter 35 DEA benefits are also granted during this time.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and a higher rating were dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding cervical spine disability and other specified trauma and stress related disorder, and granted service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to his low back disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for dizzy spells, cervical disorder, and headaches due to inadequate examination opinions. The Veteran will need new examinations by an otolaryngologist.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability in service or within one year following discharge. The examiner opined that the Veteran's neck disability is less likely than not incurred in or caused by events in active service and is more likely due to natural aging process.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The matter is being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for neck disability, lower back disability, bilateral hand disability, and bilateral knee disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and bilateral first cuneiform metatarsal joint arthritis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and consideration due to inconsistencies in his statements regarding his service-connected conditions.