Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including left leg or knee disability, rectal bleeding, swollen hands and feet, rheumatoid arthritis, multi-site arthritis of the right shoulder, multi-site arthritis of the right hip, multi-site arthritis of the cervical spine (neck), multi-site arthritis of the lumbar spine (low back), right leg nerve damage, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, left kidney disability, gallbladder disability, sinusitis, headaches, appendix disability, discoloration and bacteria on the feet, erectile dysfunction, and eye disability or vision problems. The Board found no current disabilities for several conditions and concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support a relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for cervical spine strain due to potential inconsistencies in the medical evidence and need for a supplemental opinion.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, cervical spine disability, and myofascial syndrome of the lumbar spine have been granted. The case is remanded for further consideration on other issues.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and examination. The Veteran's appeal of the remaining issues is dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inconsistencies in treatment records and examination findings, as well as a lack of VA treatment records after September 2018. The Veteran's right wrist, hand, and neck issues are being reviewed with new examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee strain, arthritis of the bilateral shoulders (also claimed as arthritis of the joints), and cervical strain as secondary to service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative joint and disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his lumbar and cervical spine disabilities have been denied as the medical evidence does not support a rating in excess of 40 percent since June 3, 2022.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted effective September 19, 2017. His initial acne rating remains at 10 percent from September 19, 2017 to March 1, 2022 and then reclassified as a noncompensable scar of the back from that date onwards. Service connection for left knee arthritis and neck disability is denied. Service connection for dizziness is also denied.

The Board denied service connection for chronic strain of the lumbar spine with degenerative disc disease, cervical strain, and sacroiliac injury (claimed as butt injury), to include the left hip, finding that there was no evidence showing a relationship between these conditions and active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and temporary total rating based on treatment necessitating convalescence due to incomplete development of records from Peach County Regency Hospital. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or relationship to service for glaucoma, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability. Service connection was remanded for prostate condition and hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, finding that these conditions are related to active duty service. The decision is based on a liberal interpretation of VA's policies.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for cervical disc prolapse, degeneration of lumbar spine, and bilateral hearing loss have been withdrawn. The appeal for right knee chondromalacia patella has been remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination. The appeal for acquired psychiatric disorder has also been remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine strain and cervical spine strain, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to her service-connected right foot and/or left knee disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability did not begin during service and is not related to an in-service injury or disease. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and left shoulder disabilities are being remanded due to procedural issues with the appeal process.

The Board has remanded several service connection and rating claims due to the need for additional medical opinions, treatment records, and consideration of the Veteran's testimony.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spondylosis and lower back condition due to inadequate VA examination opinions. Additional examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine conditions were rated at 10 percent each, but the Board denied any higher ratings due to lack of evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,For his left knee condition, the Veteran was not granted a rating in excess of 10 percent from December 1, 2019.