Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2021

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and no current diagnosis attributable to service. The Board also found that any arthritis did not manifest within one year of discharge from service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right ankle disability has been granted. The claims for service connection for a neck disability, loss of sense of taste, and loss of sense of smell have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by him and a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining SSA records. The VA hearing loss claim is also remanded as there was no VA examination provided.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by him and a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining SSA records. The VA hearing loss claim is also remanded as there was no VA examination provided.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by him and a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining SSA records. The VA hearing loss claim is also remanded as there was no VA examination provided.

The Veteran's service connection claim for rhinitis is granted due to exposure in the Persian Gulf. Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and cervical spine disability are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that there is not enough evidence to grant these claims at this time.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and lumbar spine disorder are related to his military service. However, the claim for posttraumatic stress disorder remains pending as the in-service sexual trauma has not been confirmed.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis B, tinnitus, and shoulder disability were dismissed. The claim for jaw condition was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. Bilateral hearing loss was not found as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a current disability under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability but has remanded the issue of service connection for a neurological disability of the upper extremities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical strain has been reopened, and she is now receiving a higher rating. The claims for increased ratings of her paresthesia conditions are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and headaches due to inadequate opinions in prior decisions. The cases are now before the Board for further review.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claim of service connection for a cervical spine disability. The matter is being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is now rated at 30 percent from October 5, 2017. His lumbar spine and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy disabilities continue to be rated as before.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's disabilities are related to his military service, specifically in-service injuries or illnesses. The VA examinations need to address these issues and provide a rationale for their conclusions.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is not manifested by forward flexion to 15 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee, neck, and hip disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is asked to provide any outstanding VA, private, or Social Security Administration records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for a cervical spine disability and has determined that he is entitled to service connection for this condition. The Board found that there was at least equipoise evidence in favor of the Veteran's claim, thus granting service connection based on direct evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding records and need for addendum opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, cervical lordosis, and compression fractures and degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine are remanded.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of various musculoskeletal disorders, including bilateral knee and shoulder disorders, lumbar spine disorder, and cervical spine disorder. The issues are related to secondary service connection.