Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine bilateral radiculopathy and remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to December 2, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's numbness in the left arm and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are related to service, but additional opinions are needed regarding whether these conditions are specifically due to his neck disability. The Veteran's neck disability is also found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical nexus opinions provided in response to previous remands. The case is being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to the need to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) and provide the Veteran with an opportunity to perfect his appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for residuals of a cervical spine disability and right knee disability to obtain additional development, including verification of service dates and addendum opinions from VA examiners. The issues are currently pending further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of cervical and lumbar spine disorders due to a lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his claimed conditions are to be considered, and a new VA examination is required.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disability (diverticulitis), neck disability, and back disability. However, the claim for sleep apnea was denied as there is no evidence of its onset during or due to active duty.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DJD was granted an increased rating of 40 percent prior to October 8, 2019. The issues of service connection for a cervical spine disability and right knee disability were remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cellulitis, neck disability as secondary to cellulitis, and sleep apnea as secondary to persistent depressive disorder due to new and material evidence received since the last denial in September 2015. The issues of service connection are being reconsidered.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of his cervical spine disability and degenerative arthritis, finding that there was no evidence showing a chronic condition in service or continuity of symptomatology thereafter. The VA medical opinion provided by an expert clinician supported this conclusion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine DJD and bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, finding no direct or secondary link to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The claim will be reviewed with an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lipoma of the left upper back area is denied as there is no evidence linking it to his military service, including herbicide exposure. The claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, and joint pain are all remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, and SMC benefits. The AOJ must obtain all relevant medical records and provide the Veteran with necessary examinations or opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability, residuals of left knee injury, and residuals of right knee contusion due to new evidence submitted since the last final rating decision. The claims are now pending before the RO.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher evaluation is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is required to protect her from hazards or dangers incident to her daily environment. As a result, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's request to reopen the issues of service connection for back and neck disabilities is granted. The cases are REMANDED for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and adequate evidence being required, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted as service-connected. The Board found the evidence sufficient to establish a link between his in-service vehicle accident and his current cervical spine disability.