Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and thoracic spine disabilities have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic cervical spine pain was reopened and granted. The Board found that the Veteran's current neck disability is related to his military service, including a reported injury while playing basketball in 1993.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea. The claims are being returned to the RO for further review.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating of his service-connected back disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and thus, the application to reopen the previously denied heart condition claim is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches has been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran experienced chronic symptoms of migraines since her separation from service, and there is sufficient evidence to establish continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of cervical spine arthritis and thoracic spine strain, both claimed as secondary to his service-connected DJD of the lumbar spine. The Board has ordered remand with instructions to obtain an addendum medical opinion from a VA physician.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine DJD has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and cervical radiculopathy due to a lack of adequate medical opinions regarding whether these conditions were aggravated by her military service.

The Veteran's left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities are granted as service connected, with onset in active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are not related to service, as there is no evidence of symptoms or diagnoses in service. The Board finds the Veteran's assertions regarding the onset of these conditions after service more credible than his statements made during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete SPRs and inadequate VA examinations. The claims will be reviewed again with new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sinusitis and bilateral foot disability.,Service connection is denied for cervical spine disability, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and bilateral foot disability (hallux valgus and plantar fasciitis).

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for a cervical spine disorder and left foot numbness, both secondary to the Veteran's service-connected fractures. The remand is due to insufficient rationale in the January 2020 VA examiner's opinion regarding aggravation.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability, as well as a TDIU claim. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims.,Additional VA examinations are needed to determine if the Veteran has current sinus, dysphagia, carpal tunnel syndrome, right arm disability, allergic rhinitis, asthma, cervical spine, lumbosacral spine, multiple sclerosis with left eye optic neuritis, and dysthymic disorder disabilities that are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for stable angina, due to his service-connected hypertension, is granted. The claims for right and left upper extremity neurological disabilities (carpal tunnel syndrome) are denied as the evidence does not support a link to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various knee and hand disorders due to incomplete records. The Veteran's VA examinations, pain management records, inpatient records, and neurosurgery records need to be associated with the file.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's need for aid and attendance due to PTSD, as well as service connection for peripheral neuropathy and cervical spondylosis. The Veteran is currently service connected for PTSD but not for peripheral neuropathy or cervical spondylosis.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations obtained in connection with each claimed disability are deficient and requires new examinations to determine if the Veteran's disabilities had their onset during service or are otherwise etiologically related.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for his neck disability and left upper extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed as he has withdrawn the appeal.