Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cervical spine disability is granted. The claim for TDIU due to diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy is granted from December 30, 2002 through the present. SMC based on permanent housebound status is granted effective December 30, 2003.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, right and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, but denied service connection for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has found that another remand is necessary to obtain the Veteran's VA treatment records from June 2010 to June 2011 and July 2020 to present. The issues of increased ratings for various knee and spine conditions are being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The cases will be further evaluated by VA medical professionals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and restoration of reduced ratings for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities due to incomplete records and need for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, along with his major depression, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from November 1, 2008 to July 31, 2012. As a result, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted for this period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine and/or upper back disability, finding that there was no evidence of such disabilities during his active military service or due to any in-service injury. The Veteran's current neck and upper back issues are attributed to an undiagnosed illness associated with his Southwest Asia service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and updated treatment records.,The Board is requesting that the Veteran be scheduled for updated VA examinations to determine the current severity of his musculoskeletal, bowel, and bladder symptomatology.

A rating higher than 20 percent for cervical spondylitis between June 8, 2009 and January 12, 2015 is denied.,A 30 percent rating for cervical spondylitis effective from January 12, 2015 is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lower back conditions, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and an initial rating of 40 percent for a right shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran's disabilities are at least as likely as not caused by her active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to unclear compliance with previous remand directives regarding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity and lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity were denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer was also denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, lumbar spine, and cervical spine conditions due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities, as well as his claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee disability. The TDIU issue is also being remanded due to unemployability raised by Social Security Administration records.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical DDD and RUE PN, but has remanded the issues of left shoulder disorder secondary to cervical DDD and hernia.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection in all three cases, and the Board is dismissing them.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's neck disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and bilateral hip disability. The claims were reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial in April 2014.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for cervical spine disability is remanded due to inadequate examination findings and the need for further development. The issue of individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to August 29, 2018, remains pending.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine disability, right and left upper extremity disabilities, acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and radiculopathy are denied. The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective July 17, 2015.