Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for right knee strain, left knee strain, cervical spine strain, and thoracic spine strain as there was no evidence linking these conditions to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, each diagnosed as arthritis, based on continuity of symptomatology since separation from service.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine condition, a cervical spine condition, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service complaints of back pain and mental health issues, as well as her continued treatment over the years.

The Board has ordered the claims remanded due to incomplete records and procedural issues. The Veteran's conditions of bilateral callosities, cervical spine disability prior to November 13, 2018, and headaches prior to August 30, 2016 are still under review.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to conflicting medical evidence and unclear findings of cervical radiculopathy prior to November 2018.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, cervical spine disability, and left upper extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and clarification of prescribed bedrest periods.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability, including residuals of trauma to the cervical spine. The Court vacated this decision and remanded it due to insufficient evidence regarding the second personal assault in service. After further review, the Board found that there was no credible evidence supporting the Veteran's claims and thus denied the appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial disability ratings for his service-connected cervical neck strain, degenerative conditions, and radiculopathies due to incomplete development. The VA is required to obtain an addendum opinion regarding ankylosis of the cervical spine and a neurological examination for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's neck disability and right shoulder disability were denied higher ratings. The neck disability was not rated above 10% prior to November 29, 2007, and at 30% thereafter. The right shoulder disability was not rated above 20% prior to February 25, 2013, and from that date forward a rating of 30% was granted.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine prior to July 24, 2018 was granted. He is currently rated at 10 percent effective from February 4, 2011.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his MDD remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The issues of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, eczema, cervical disability, back disability, PFB, and psychiatric disability associated with PFB are remanded.

The Board has determined that the RO did not fulfill its duty to notify under the VCAA prior to the October 2019 decision. The issues of service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and increased disability evaluations for mechanical lumbar strain are remanded due to incomplete assessments regarding flare-ups, occupational impact, and range of motion.

The Veteran's request to reopen the femoral hernia claim was granted, and the appeal for residuals of a head injury, cervical spine disability, and right little finger fracture is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for residuals of a TBI, headache condition, low back disability, and cervical spine disability due to insufficient reasons or bases in the May 2021 decision. The Veteran's lay testimony regarding head injuries sustained during active service is considered, along with requests for VA examinations and opinions on various issues.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU from October 14, 2015 to October 26, 2020 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain and bilateral pes planus, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to lose the use of both feet, qualifying him for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete development and the need for additional medical opinions regarding their claims of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, an acquired psychiatric disorder, temporary total ratings due to hospital treatment in excess of 21 days, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder with radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a left hand scar with residuals to include stiffness and limitation of movement of two fingers, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to a burn in service. The cervical spine disability, acquired psychiatric disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy/neuropathy are all remanded for additional development.