Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's back and neck conditions have been granted service connection, as well as an increased rating for asbestosis. Service connection has also been established for PTSD with anxiety.,PTSD was linked to in-service stressors of sexual harassment and physical assault.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for cervical spine disability prior to October 5, 2021 and thereafter is denied as the evidence does not support a finding of unfavorable ankylosis or forward flexion of less than 15 degrees.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, cervical radiculitis of the left and right upper extremities, and headaches. These conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's in-service injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for back, right knee, and neck disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service. The Board found that any current chronic conditions are more likely related to aging or obesity rather than in-service injuries.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate development following a previous Board remand. The issues of rating his RLE neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome and sciatic nerve radiculopathy, bilateral shoulder scars, and neck disability are all being reconsidered.

The Board denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, right wrist; upper back/bilateral shoulder pain; and bilateral foot pain. The Veteran's claims were not supported by competent medical evidence linking the conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including psychiatric, cervical spine, lumbar spine, right hip, left hip, and left knee conditions. The decision also dismissed the issue of a 10% rating based on multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current cervical spine disability is related to an in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's parotid gland cancer is not related to service, including exposure to herbicide agents.,The Veteran's right upper extremity disorder (claimed as peripheral neuropathy) has been diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome and is not related to service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to December 16, 2013, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter, for cervical spine spondylosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical spine and low back disabilities due to incomplete compliance with prior remand directives. An addendum opinion is required regarding whether these conditions are related to a period of active duty training or an injury during such, as well as whether they are aggravated by a service-connected bilateral knee disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to address the Veteran's lay statements.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including obesity, neck disability, Meniere's disease, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), OSA, low back strain, and COPD. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and examinations.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining her service treatment records and military personnel records. The Board also ordered a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to new evidence and a need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting opinions regarding his spine and radiculopathy disabilities, as well as his need for aid and attendance. The issues are intertwined and must be addressed together.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development regarding the severity of the Veteran's cervical spine disability prior to December 29, 2020. The Veteran is entitled to a rating in excess of 30 percent for their cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, except for PTSD which is rated at 100%, do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for right leg radiculopathy, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability due to incomplete evidence. Service connection is granted for neck disability (also claimed as cervical spine strain spondylitis) and low back disability.