Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his military service, including jumping from aircraft during service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability. The cervical spine and thoracic spine disabilities, as well as the peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a TDIU prior to June 12, 2018 and from June 12, 2018 to August 11, 2020. The decision found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation during these periods.

The Board has determined that the VA's post-remand opinions are inadequate and requires further development to address the Veteran's neck and knee disabilities, including considering his testimony about military service-related injuries.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, back strain, TBI, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for cervical radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities due to unclear findings and need for clarification on which nerve groups are affected.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology and severity of the Veteran's cervical spine and left shoulder conditions. The claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues related to the conditions listed, including ratings and service connection claims. The Board dismissed these appeals as a result.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the Veteran's cervical spine disability from June 11, 2012 to July 13, 2019. The rating is based on functional impairment during flare-ups and not unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand requests and has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying exposure to depleted uranium.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The remaining issues are remanded for further development and examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neck disability. The Veteran contends his current condition is related to service, including injuries sustained during basic training and a motorcycle accident.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for neck pain and chest pain with breathing difficulty, including heart and respiratory disorders. The Board dismissed the appeal due to withdrawal.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for migraine headaches, which is related to his service-connected cervical strain, needs further examination and opinion.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain another VA examination to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, including whether they are related to service or due to wear and tear. The examiner is also asked to determine if the Veteran has bilateral upper and lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD, as well as updated VA treatment records are needed. The TDIU claim is granted throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his cervical spine disorder, right arm carpal tunnel syndrome, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and left hernia.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral foot disorders due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives. The VA must obtain updated treatment records and provide supplemental opinions from an examiner.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right foot disability. The Veteran's claim for tinnitus was granted. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for head injury, cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, and right hip disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased rating for low back disability and cervical spine disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. The Veteran's lay testimony about his in-service injury is considered, and a new examination is required to assess the severity of his current disabilities.