Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for benign prostate hypertrophy, a right shoulder disability, a cervical spine muscle disability, and a chronic pain syndrome due to additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain and degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current neck disability is related to his in-service whiplash-type injuries.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that these conditions are more likely due to natural aging process rather than an in-service incident.

The Board denied service connection for denervation of left C8/T1 myotomes with cervical radiculopathy, granted service connection for left wrist median neuropathy and left elbow ulnar neuropathy, but denied an initial compensable rating for residuals of left fifth digit fracture.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity frostbite residuals, psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), prostate cancer, cervical spine disability, shoulder, elbow, and wrist disabilities, and gastrointestinal disorders. The claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to worsening symptoms, and he needs new VA examinations for his cervical spine and right upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's SMC based on housebound status is denied because he does not have a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling, and the TTR for his cervical spine condition has expired.

The Veteran's cervical spine condition is related to his in-service injury, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The decision on bilateral hearing loss remains pending as it requires a remand.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records. The claim for left knee disorder is reopened, but further evidence is needed to establish a link between his current conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to new evidence received after the appeal was certified to the Board.

The Veteran's claims for cervical spine degenerative disc disease C5-6, right arm numbness and tingling, and right shoulder condition have been reopened. The Board has remanded these issues due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding aggravation during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal to increase her rating for lumbosacral strain has been dismissed as she withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has denied service connection for neck, back and right ankle disorders as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right foot disability.,Service connection was also denied for a left ankle disorder (strain).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and neck disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during service or their relationship to his service-connected shell fragment wound.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims can be adjudicated due to incomplete medical examinations and remanded issues. The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, cervical spine, and radiculopathy disabilities are being reviewed for increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities, as well as right shoulder, left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's neck disability was rated at 20% prior to January 6, 2020 and denied a higher rating. After January 6, 2020, the Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy was also rated at 20%. The Board did not grant TDIU.,The Veteran's neck disability is currently rated as 20% disabling prior to January 6, 2020 and remains denied. After January 6, 2020, the left upper extremity radiculopathy was rated at 30%. The Board did not grant TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative lumbar spondylosis and cervical spine disability are granted. The Veteran's TBI claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives and additional remand is required.

The Board denied service connection for neck, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.