Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and total disability due to individual unemployability. The remaining claims, including those related to bilateral hearing loss, pes planus, cervical spine disability, petit mal seizures, TBI, right ankle and knee disabilities, OSA, and an acquired psychiatric disability, are remanded as additional medical examinations or opinions are needed.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a neck disability and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy to ensure that all relevant records are obtained and considered.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new examination to address the severity of his cervical spine disability and its impact on his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran's back and neck disabilities are being reviewed again with a focus on their relationship to his military service.

The Board granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and cervical strain.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including neck and back conditions, neurological disorders, irritable colon, loss of taste, arrhythmia, and dizziness, due to a need for further evidence.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for loss of use of both buttocks was denied as there is no evidence that the incident caused a permanent disability resulting from carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on VA's part.

The Board denied service connection for spinal disabilities, finding that there is no evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left shoulder condition, cervicalgia, neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, vision loss/diplopia, nodules on vocal chords, sleep apnea, ischemic heart disease, chronic diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), skin tags of arms and thighs, and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to allow for further development and consideration of additional evidence.

The Veteran's initial rating for gastritis prior to May 26, 2021 is denied as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's initial rating for gastritis from May 26, 2021 is denied as his symptoms are consistent with a moderate gastric ulcer but do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board remands the matter for a new VA examination to more accurately assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy have been granted service connection. The effective date is not specified.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that it did not manifest in service or be related to a service-connected disability.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further action, including issuing an SOC addressing increased initial ratings for cervical and lumbar disabilities and a TDIU prior to September 21, 2015.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the claims of service connection for a lumbar spine, cervical spine, and psychiatric disability. The appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, obesity, high cholesterol, right and left shoulder disabilities, lumbar strain (back disability), cervical cancer, chronic pelvic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), seizure disorder, bursitis, stroke residuals, fibromyalgia, piriformis syndrome, iron deficiency anemia, temporary paralysis, uterine fibroids, enlarged lymph nodes, and arthritis are being remanded for additional development.,The Veteran's obesity claim is denied as it does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board remands the appeal for further examination to clarify the severity of the Veteran's neck and low back disabilities, specifically regarding range of motion testing in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing conditions.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and providing VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hip disability and cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) and degenerative joint disease (DJD) with foraminal encroachment, as there was no evidence of an etiological relationship between the claimed conditions and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, a lumbar spine disability, a right knee disability, and a cervical spine disability. The reasons provided were that there was no in-service injury or disease related to these conditions, and the evidence did not support a finding of a relationship between any current disabilities and active service.,The Board also denied service connection for diabetes mellitus on a presumptive basis as it did not manifest within one year of separation from service. The reasons provided were that there was no in-service injury or disease related to this condition, and the evidence did not support a finding of a relationship between any current disability and active service.