Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for TBI, right shoulder disability, and cervical spine disability have been dismissed due to voluntary withdrawal of the claims.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity were also dismissed due to voluntary withdrawal of the claims.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds no basis for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis.,A 10 percent rating has been granted for residuals of left index finger fracture. The Veteran already receives the highest schedular rating available for painful motion of the right little finger.

The Board has determined that additional VA treatment records need to be obtained and reviewed before the claims for service connection can be decided. The case is being remanded back to the AOJ for this purpose.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back and neck disabilities, finding that they are related to his active military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, was denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent prior to April 13, 2017, and a rating in excess of 70 percent from that date.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was denied an initial compensable rating prior to December 30, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities due to insufficient development. The VA is required to obtain an addendum opinion or schedule a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of these disabilities, considering the Veteran's reports during service.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy as the evidence did not show a nexus to active service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals, and the Board dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, left and right ankle disabilities, and a heart disability. The AOJ is instructed to provide the Veteran with an opportunity to submit any SSA medical records in his possession.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for cervical spine DDD and DJD was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for higher ratings at any point during the appeal period.

Service connection is granted for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and cervical radiculopathy.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not service connected.

The Veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for cervical strain and service connection for low back condition (back pain) are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease, cervical spine disability, left upper and right upper extremity radiculopathies, right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities, left hand disability, and left hip disability. The Board found that the Veteran's current heart condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, as well as radiculopathy of the left upper extremity and right lower extremity, all related to an in-service helicopter crash. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible testimony and a private physician's opinion.

The Board denied service connection for a disability manifested by fatigue, including chronic fatigue syndrome. The Veteran's fatigue is considered a symptom of his other disabilities such as ischemic heart disease and cervical/lumbar strains.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and inadequate opinions regarding his thoracolumbar and cervical spine conditions.,A medical expert is needed to provide an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's thoracolumbar and cervical spine conditions.

The Board denied service connection for left arm disorder, cervical spine disorder, hypertension (HTN), and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims were also remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for degenerative joint and disc disease and stenosis of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, cervical spine disability, and radiculopathy of the upper extremities due to inadequate medical opinions provided in the previous VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for low back and neck disabilities, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations did not adequately address all of the Veteran's claims, particularly regarding spinal disorders and psychiatric conditions. The case is being remanded for further development.