Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate due to his employment, which precludes him from meeting the criteria for this benefit.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC are being remanded due to procedural issues, inadequate attempts to obtain medical records from UNM Hospital, and the need for additional VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also being considered as part of the increased rating claims.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities due to incomplete development. The Veteran's statements regarding in-service onset of symptoms are not considered by the VA examiner.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, finding that there is at least a 50% likelihood that his current condition is related to his active service and that he experienced continuous symptoms since then.

The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection and rating as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral spine disability, cervical spine disorder, and fibromyalgia due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for new VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and thoracolumbar strain, as well as degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine. Service connection for cervical radiculopathy is denied.

The Veteran's arthritis of multiple joints, including of the bilateral hips, knees, hands, thumbs, ankles, and lumbar and cervical spine, was not shown as chronic in service or related to an in-service injury. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability and whether it is related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of evidence.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals on multiple issues, including service connection and increased rating claims. The Board dismissed the appeal due to these withdrawals.

The Veteran's sinusitis and ovarian cyst were granted service connection as they occurred during her period of active duty.,Service connection for a lung disability, liver disability, and cervical spine disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed back, neck, foot, and eye conditions. The service connection claims are decided on the merits.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and bilateral sciatica due to insufficient medical opinions in previous examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence on file, and a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's neck disability is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, with the exception of his claim for service connection for skin disability. The remaining conditions have been granted based on their direct relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervicalgia and bilateral foot disability due to unclear periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and INACDUTRA. The Veteran is to be provided with an examination to determine if her current neck and foot conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board has ordered remand for increased ratings on other issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been submitted. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is believed to have preexisted service, but further medical examination and opinion are needed to determine if it was aggravated by service.