Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, sleep apnea, and PTSD with depressive disorder. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other appealed claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete VA treatment records and inadequate medical opinions. The issues of cervical spine, right hand, left hand, sciatica (right and left lower extremities), and talofibular ligament strain of the right ankle will be addressed.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete development and unsuccessful attempts to contact the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and cervical spine disability due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The Veteran contends his current disabilities are related to in-service ear infections and falls, respectively.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently rated at 10 percent effective December 10, 2019. The appeal for a higher rating remains denied.,For the period after August 18, 2022, the Veteran's neck disability is not entitled to a rating higher than 30 percent.,The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 40 percent. The appeal for a higher rating remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues for a VA examination, and the Veteran's incarceration status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar strain is reopened, and his claim for service connection for an upper back condition (cervical and lumbar spine) is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has decided that service connection for tinea pedis is granted. The issues of service connection for a neck disability, back disability, headaches, and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability, finding that there is at least an equipoise of evidence in favor of the Veteran's contention that his current neck condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's neck disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the General Rating Formula or IVDS Formula.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional examinations due to difficulties in scheduling VA examinations in China, and the need to reinvestigate the evidence related to service connection.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's left ankle disability is denied as not service-connected.

The Veteran's TDIU based on service-connected migraine headaches is granted, and he is also entitled to SMC at the housebound rate.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a cervical spine disorder and a left elbow disorder due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic pain syndrome is related to his service-connected disabilities and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his chronic cervical strain and unspecified depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since March 20, 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating determinations related to cervical spine, hip, right ankle, lumbar spine, and pulmonary disabilities due to incomplete or insufficient examination reports.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis from January 1, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities. The AOJ is required to readjudicate the claims and determine whether an extraschedular TDIU and referral to the Director of Compensation Service are warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions caused or aggravated her sleep apnea.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board dismissed it.