Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

Service connection granted for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy.,Service connection granted for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and associated radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a cervical spine disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence of record. A new VA examination is needed for both conditions.

The Board dismissed all appeals for increased ratings and effective date claims related to various conditions, including cervical spine, left upper extremity radiculopathy, posttraumatic degenerative changes of the right ankle, right shoulder rotator cuff strain/tendonitis, degenerative changes of the left knee, degenerative changes of the right knee, sciatic nerve radiculopathies in both lower extremities, and femoral nerve radiculopathy.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neck disability and whether it is related to service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracic, cervical, and lumbar spine disabilities due to incomplete STRs and lack of contemporaneous medical records.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disorders are currently rated at 20 percent, effective since October 6, 1998. The Board denied entitlement to higher ratings for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for GERD, hypertension, right hip disorder, neck disability, and elbow disability due to the need for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders, including arthritis, strain, spondylolisthesis, DJD, DDD, radiculopathy, and a total rating for convalescence based on cervical spine surgery. The issues are inextricably intertwined due to the potential impact of adjudicating one claim on another.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of various conditions, including a cervical spine disorder, left shoulder disorder, cataracts (secondary to dry eye syndrome), peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, total disability rating based on individual unemployability, and special monthly compensation due to need for aid and attendance. The claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left-hand, right-hand, and bilateral knee conditions. The decision also remanded the Veteran's claim for a left ankle condition due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's respiratory disability is not service-connected, and his TDIU claim is granted due to multiple service-connected disabilities preventing him from working.

The Veteran withdrew his claims to reopen the previously denied claims for bronchitis, a cervical spine disorder, and left ear hearing loss, as well as for a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions and new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee condition, cervical spine disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and upper extremity radiculopathy was granted. However, the claims were denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to active service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective October 1, 2004 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine condition and bilateral foot condition due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for various lower extremity and upper body disabilities, including back pain, neck disability, ankle disabilities, foot disability, knee disabilities, hip disabilities, and shoulder disabilities. The VA will conduct additional examinations and obtain updated medical records before deciding these issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating determinations are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evidence.