Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's cervical strain and radiculopathy disabilities are granted as service connected. A higher rating for his jaw disability is remanded.

The Board has found that the VA examination did not comply with the directives set out by the June 2021 remand, and thus an additional remand is required for further development to fulfill its duty to the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for upper back/neck and low back disabilities are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses related to her treatment at Vanamburg Surgery Care on October 16, 2012 has been dismissed because the Veteran withdrew her request for a hearing and her appeal. The Board found that she was reimbursed for the expenses.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient reasons and bases in the previous decision, specifically regarding whether his neck disability is related to an in-service melanoma surgery.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinion is inadequate and requires an addendum to address the Veteran's in-service complaints of neck pain and intermittent twitching. The Veteran's cervical spondylosis may be related to service, as evidenced by his service treatment records showing neck pain and a diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her headache disability and cervical spine disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and assessments.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment from December 16, 2013 to April 20, 2017, on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right wrist, left wrist, cervical spine, and lower extremity neuropathy, are not supported by evidence of record. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these issues.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for further action regarding his claim of entitlement to a TDIU. The Board finds that the evidence does not show he meets the schedular criteria for assignment of a TDIU, including on the basis of disabilities affecting a single body system (orthopedic), during the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed as he withdrew his claims. The Board has also remanded several issues including low back, right knee, left knee, cervical spine, OSA, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was incurred in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has vacated the denial of reopening service connection for neck, left knee, and right knee disabilities. The claims are now remanded to provide a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, scoliosis of thoracic spine, residuals of left wrist injury, and allergies. The appeals are remanded to determine if these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability needs further development due to the inability to contact the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating and service connection for his thoracolumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability have been remanded due to procedural issues. The Veteran will need to provide a substantive appeal within the required time frame, and he may also need additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed for the left inguinal hernia. Service connection is granted for chronic headaches and cervical strain as secondary to TMJ dysfunction.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been withdrawn and are dismissed.,Service connection is denied for a left hand disability.

The Board has determined that additional research and development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to hazardous chemicals while stationed at Fort McLellan, which may be related to her skin cancer of the nose, erythematous rash, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, and osteoarthritis. The claims are being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the cervical spine claim due to insufficient explanation for its denial and a need for further examination regarding the use of Kevlar helmet during training exercises.