Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine strain and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine were denied. The Veteran was not granted any new or material evidence to reopen his service connection claim.

The Veteran's bilateral breast calcification, claimed as fibrocystic breast disability, is granted service connection. The issues of hypertension, urinary hesitancy, ovarian cyst disability, TMJ disorder, and other disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, including disc disease, disc herniation, radiculopathy and spondylosis. The decision finds that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his military service due to in-service onset of symptoms.

The Veteran's DDD of the cervical spine was initially rated at 10 percent from July 21, 2003 to July 9, 2010. The rating was increased to 20 percent from July 9, 2010 to August 31, 2011 and then to 30 percent from September 1, 2011 to February 6, 2014.,Effective March 5, 2021, the Veteran was granted a 20 percent disability rating for DDD of the cervical spine with spinal fusion.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability due to inadequate opinions provided in previous examinations. The Veteran is required to undergo another VA examination and provide etiological opinions on direct, secondary, and aggravation bases.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for degenerative disc disease (DDD) cervical spine remains at 10 percent, as her range of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula.

The Veteran's vocational goal of employment is not reasonably feasible due to his service-connected neck disability and other disabilities, which have resulted in significant physical health issues. The Board found that the services requested by the Veteran are not necessary for him to live more independently.

An initial rating of 100 percent for PTSD is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.,Service connection for a cervical spine disability due to an improvised explosive device (IED) blast is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for various disabilities, including right lower extremity radiculopathy, left leg disability, right leg disability, arthritis, tendonitis, neck disability, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The decision also notes that the Veteran's right knee disability is not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA vocational rehabilitation records and treatment records from Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital. The Veteran also needs an addendum opinion regarding his bilateral shoulder and knee disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the cases of cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities due to insufficient discussion in previous VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's statements about his service-related injuries. The case is now pending for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's nose/sinus disability (claimed as allergies) and COPD are remanded for further examination.,The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for further examination.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is remanded for further examination.,The Veteran's perforated right eardrum, bilateral shin splints, left arm skin lesion, and cervical spine disability are all remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's arthritis of the cervical spine and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity are granted service connection due to aggravation by a service-connected condition. The Veteran's insomnia is remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claim can be adjudicated, and thus remanded for further medical development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and multiple physical conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. As such, the Board has granted his claim for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine conditions. The VA examiner did not consider the Veteran's lay contentions about a head injury during service and its impact on his current condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and radiculopathy disabilities, as well as headaches due to lack of recent VA examinations. The Veteran is also being provided an opportunity for a new examination.

The Veteran's cervical spine condition, diagnosed as degenerative changes and muscle spasm, was granted service connection.,Service connection for bilateral pes cavus with plantar fasciitis is denied. The Veteran's disability rating remains at 30 percent.