Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened. Service connection is granted for left ear hearing loss, but the issue of higher evaluation for cervical spine degenerative arthritis remains remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's low back and neck disabilities were granted increased ratings of 40% and 20%, respectively, effective from November 7, 2011. The decision also granted a TDIU effective from the same date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination. The issues include his cervical spine disability, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, back disability, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand cold injury, left hand cold injury, bursitis of the right shoulder, and bursitis of the left shoulder are granted. Service connection is also granted for a cervical spine disorder with associated upper extremity radiculopathy. A 10% rating is assigned for residuals of a fracture of the right ring finger.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that there was no chronic disease shown in service or within one year after separation, and no continuity of symptoms since service. The Board also found that his current cervical spine disability is not related to any in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to April 26, 2017 due to inextricably intertwined issues with other pending claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, heart condition, and headache condition due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back, neck, left lower extremity, and bilateral hip disabilities as they are related to his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran has withdrawn all remaining issues on appeal, including those for vertigo and spinal disabilities. The Board is dismissing the appeals as a result.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations of various disabilities, including cervical strain, thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis (back disability), right and left lower extremity radiculopathies, and knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's TDIU claims for the periods from August 8, 2014 to October 3, 2016 and from October 3, 2016 are denied as her service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a schedular or extraschedular TDIU rating. The Veteran's education and work history demonstrate that she is capable of engaging in non-physically demanding employment.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of right foot bone spurs and cervical spine disability. The appeal for prostate cancer is remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for TBI, bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disability, petite mal seizures, and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient development or examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for cervical spine degenerative joint disease was granted effective December 31, 2020. The Board denied the request for an earlier effective date.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to missing private treatment records and incomplete VA examinations. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with his increased rating claims.

The Board has denied service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability. The case is remanded for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of coronary artery disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder and left hip disorder. The cervical spine disorder claim was denied because there is no evidence of a current disability that is related to military service, including an in-service injury during basketball play. The left hip disorder claim was also denied as secondary to the service-connected left foot disability.

The Board has granted service connection for cervicalgia, status post cervical spine fusion.,Service connection is also granted for right upper extremity radiculopathy secondary to now service-connected cervicalgia, status post cervical spine fusion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA medical examination and additional evidence submitted by the Veteran's attorney. The case is being sent back for a new examination to address the Veteran's claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar and cervical spine conditions due to incomplete records and inadequate examinations. The Veteran is entitled to a new examination to determine if his current spinal conditions are related to his military service.