Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for a cervical spine disability and an acquired psychiatric disability, including generalized anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to December 19, 2019 and 30 percent therefrom.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his service-connected cervical neck strain with degenerative disc disease, degenerative arthritis, and intervertebral disc syndrome. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for right upper extremity radiculopathy and left upper extremity radiculopathy associated with this condition are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, neck, and back disabilities due to incomplete medical records and need for new VA opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral stress fracture of the tibia, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability due to outstanding medical records.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with its June 2020 remand directives and requires another remand to afford the Veteran a new VA examination and to procure new nexus opinions supported by a thorough, well-reasoned rationale.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, lumbar strain, cervical spine arthritis, anxiety, and left ankle disability have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and left shoulder disabilities have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The claim for increased evaluation for PTSD has been granted.,Service connection for PTSD remains at a 70 percent rating throughout the appeal period, with no higher.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting opinions on whether the Veteran's nerve disorder is related to his military service, including exposure to herbicide agents. The VA examiner will need to provide an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's nerve disorder.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities. Service connection is now established for both conditions.

The Veteran's neck, right hip, and back disabilities are related to his active service. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.

Your appeal for service connection for left hand and cervical spine disabilities has been dismissed because you requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since November 1, 2012. The Board has granted an effective date of November 1, 2012 for the award of TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral and cervical spine disabilities due to insufficient rationale in previous VA opinions. The case will be reviewed with an additional medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, finding that the evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at a 30 percent rating, effective prior to May 29, 2012. The VA has granted an initial disability evaluation of 40 percent for cervical-spine disorder effective prior to September 18, 2012.,For the period from September 18, 2012 onwards, the Veteran's cervical spine condition is rated at a 20 percent rating. The VA has denied an increased disability evaluation in excess of this rating for his cervical-spine disorder.,The Veteran's left elbow disorder (epicondylitis) and left-elbow scar are both currently evaluated at a 10 percent rating, effective prior to September 18, 2012. The VA has denied entitlement to higher initial disability evaluations for these conditions.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders, finding that there is not enough evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's conditions are secondary to his lumbar spine disability. The issues will be addressed again after obtaining additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his neck disability and for TDIU. The Veteran needs to undergo a new examination, provide additional medical records, and complete a VA Form 21-8940.