Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a left ankle disorder, bilateral heel spurs, jaw injury, and cervical spine disorder due to outstanding private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral shoulder, knee, hand, and neck disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder due to exposure to depleted uranium munitions. Service connection is denied for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has granted service connection for vertigo, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine (as secondary to service-connected TBI), and cervical spondylosis (also as secondary to service-connected TBI).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine and upper extremity disabilities, as well as his claim for TDIU due to incomplete development of records related to his convalescence period following a cervical fusion.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension was denied in a previous decision, and no new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim.,Service connection for a skin disability of the neck (tinea versicolor) is denied. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of this condition that is related to his military service.

Service connection is granted for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome.,The Board has remanded the issues regarding service connection for a cervical spine disability and headaches due to potential aggravation by pre-existing conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine IVDS, lumbar degenerative disease, and bilateral knee arthritis due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder and headaches, finding that there was no direct evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran has a diagnosis of degenerative arthritis and DDD other than IVDS of the cervical spine, which he experienced symptoms since service. The issue was granted as direct service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected left lateral elbow epicondylitis. The right upper extremity and cervical spine issues remain remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's back and neck disabilities are granted service connection. The psychiatric disability is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's disability rating for degenerative disk disease cervical spine was restored to 30 percent effective January 30, 2017. A higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all issues is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development.

Service connection has been granted for a cervical spine disability and headaches. Other service connection claims are being remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome of the cervical spine, as well as for vocal cord paralysis post anterior cervical fusion, both conditions being found to be related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for a low back disability. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of any currently diagnosed low back disability and neck disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an etiology opinion from a medical professional.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck disorder and right hip disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.,The VA examiners provided opinions against the Veteran's claims, stating that his current conditions are not related to his military service.