Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2021

The appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for cervical spine degenerative disc disease prior to July 30, 2015 is denied. The appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine degenerative disc disease since July 30, 2015 is also denied.

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for a cervical spine condition as it was rendered moot by the August 2021 rating decision that granted this condition. The issue of service connection for a thoracolumbar spine condition is remanded to the RO.

The Veteran has withdrawn their appeals for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome and essential tremor, both claimed as secondary to PTSD with dissociative features. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to April 17, 2019 for service connection of a painful scar status post stab wound, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity. The effective date for each condition is set at April 17, 2019.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings were granted, with the exceptions of her claims for increased ratings for a right wrist disability, left wrist disability, and laceration to right thumb and fourth finger with residual loss of sensation and scarring.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as hyperlipidemia, were denied. The claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was also denied. An effective date earlier than May 10, 2018 for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent for the entire initial rating period from June 9, 2020. The issue of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient information in his initial notice of disagreement.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and he is granted a TDIU since December 6, 2016. Effective December 6, 2016, the Veteran is also granted SMC at the housebound rate.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine and low back disabilities, as well as peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities. Service connection is also granted for an acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD and MDD).,Service connection was denied for sleep apnea due to a lack of evidence linking it to the Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran is asked to provide addendum opinions that consider his lay statements about in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions and because the issues are inextricably intertwined. The Veteran's neck disability is being evaluated for secondary service connection with his back disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition was rated at 10% prior to November 14, 2017. From November 14, 2017, until December 1, 2019, the Veteran's lumbar spine condition warranted a 20% rating.,The Veteran's cervical spine condition was rated at 10% prior to December 1, 2019. The Veteran's left knee condition was also rated at 10% prior to December 1, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to unclear dates of qualifying service and outstanding medical records. The TDIU claim is deferred until the other issues are resolved.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine, right knee, left knee, and right hip disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, cervical spondylosis, right shoulder arthropathy, and bilateral hip arthritis, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions are related to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine strain and tiny disc protrusions at C4-C5 and C5-C6 that result in minimal spinal canal narrowing, finding the disability began during service and is related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to new evidence added to his file and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding muscle spasms.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is restored to 70% effective September 1, 2019.,The Veteran is granted TDIU from September 21, 2015.