Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to a disability rating greater than 10 percent for service-connected degenerative cervical spine spondylosis and disc space narrowing, as well as right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's neck disability is rated at 20 percent, effective September 15, 2014.,The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent, effective February 3, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder. The claims for sleep apnea and tension headaches as secondary to the cervical spine disorder are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as he failed to attend VA examinations without good cause.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, headaches, liver condition, and bilateral hip radiculopathy. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the remanded lumbar spine claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his cervical spine disability and SMC claims due to the inadequacy of a February 2021 VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic headaches, hypertension, and lumbar strain was denied. The Veteran is already in receipt of the maximum schedular ratings for these conditions.,The Veteran's cervical spine fusion with multi-level neural foramina narrowing received a 20 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating of his cervical spine disability, right upper extremity neuropathy, lumbar spine disability, left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, TDIU, and automobile adaptive equipment benefits due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted service connection as it first manifested during active service and was incurred in service. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has not been found to have increased in severity due to service.

The Veteran's hypertension, heart disability, and lumbar spine disability are granted service connection due to herbicide exposure. The right ear hearing loss and cervical spine disability claims are denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for unsteady gait, headaches, and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine due to potential negligence or lack of proper skill in the placement and tightening of a screw during surgery.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability and lumbar spine disability with radiculitis have been granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and rash of the neck are not related to his active service. However, he has a diagnosed chronic headache disorder that is considered to be due to his service in Southwest Asia.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to procedural issues and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to outstanding records and inadequate VA examinations.

The Board granted service connection for an undiagnosed illness with symptoms including headaches and pain of the cervical spine, right elbow, right hand/finger, and left knee. The Veteran was also granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD from January 24, 2020.,PTSD ratings were denied for periods prior to and after January 24, 2020.

An initial 30 percent rating for Barrett's esophagus is granted.,The request to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is granted, but the issue of service connection itself remains remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine resulted from carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill by VA personnel during his August 2010 hospitalization at the Asheville VAMC.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain and service connection for cervical strain have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is currently rated as noncompensable prior to January 13, 2020. The Board has remanded this issue for further development.