Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine, back surgery scars, and neck disability claims require additional examinations to determine their severity and etiology. The cases are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) due to inadequate examination evidence. A new VA disability examination is required.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA examinations and considering his symptoms since last evaluated in March 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his TDIU claim is granted from February 13, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected shoulder and neck disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all issues except hypertension is remanded. The Board will consider the claim of service connection for hypertension, which may be related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability began during his service and is related to a neck injury he sustained in 1994, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, and left knee disabilities have been granted service connection. The remaining issues of radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities as well as right shoulder strain and right knee arthritis with chondromalacia are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for cervical spine and low back disabilities, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The claims are being remanded for additional development including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran was granted TDIU prior to January 5, 2009, and from October 1, 2009, to October 6, 2013.,TDIU was denied from January 5, to September 30, 2009, and as of October 7, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to his service-connected right knee, left knee, and cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected IVDS and degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, as well as cervical spine DDD with IVDS, have been granted increased ratings. The specific conditions include right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve, and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve.

The Board has remanded the claims for a thoracolumbar spine disorder and cervical spine disorder due to issues with range of motion testing and unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine is granted a disability rating of 20 percent effective February 22, 2021. The other claims for increased ratings are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions, including low back disability, neck disability, joint pain, right leg disability, left leg disability, and anemia claimed as fatigue. The remand requires additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions, with a focus on whether they are related to military service or other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and SSA benefits application.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions and a need for further development. The issues include lower back, neck, and left knee disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for both a cervical spine disability and a lumbosacral spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for hypertension, essential tremors, and a cervical spine disability as the Veteran did not file an appeal within the required time frame.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's right ankle and neck disabilities. The GERD claim remains denied.