Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not begin during active service and is not related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's stomach ulcers were granted service connection as they are considered to have been incurred in service, with the Board resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the claim.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, a cervical spine disability, and left and right shoulder disabilities due to potential errors in fact or law.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines are granted a 30 percent rating, which is the maximum available under DC 8100. The disability picture does not meet criteria for a higher rating due to severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied in April 1994, but he filed an informal claim on November 13, 2012. The Board found that no earlier effective date is warranted.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for cervical spine disability was granted with an effective date of November 13, 2012. However, the Board found that no earlier effective date is warranted due to lack of evidence showing worsening prior to this date.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, lumbar spine disorder, and cervical spine disorder. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of sinusitis or any other claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his neck and back disabilities is denied. The Veteran was not granted a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, and the VA adjudicators determined that he did not meet the criteria for increased ratings for his neck and back disabilities.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his depressive disorder, left hip disability, neck disability, and back disability. The issues include rating determinations for these conditions as well as TDIU, SMC, and DEA benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The issues of entitlement to service connection for cervical, lumbar, left shoulder, right shoulder disorders, and headaches are now before the AOJ for further review.

The Board denied service connection for Hypertensive Vascular Disease (claimed as high blood pressure) due to the lack of evidence showing its onset during active service or being related to an in-service injury or disease.,Service connection was also denied for PTSD, with the Board finding no credible evidence of its onset during service and insufficient evidence linking it to any current disability.

The Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeals for the right hand disability, ulnar nerve condition of the left arm, and spasmodic torticollis.,The Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeal for the ulnar nerve condition (cubital tunnel syndrome) of the left upper extremity.,The Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeal for the spasmodic torticollis, claimed as neck muscle spasm/movement disorder, due to exposure to herbicide agents.,The Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeal for bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and evaluation on the issues of service connection for cervical spine disability, bilateral shoulder disability, radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities, right foot disability (including bunion), and OSA.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including costochondritis, fibromyalgia, arthritis, hypertension, right and left foot disabilities, cervical paravertebral myositis, gastrointestinal disease, traumatic cataracts of the right eye, and Hoffman's disease. The case is also being remanded for further development regarding a temporary total hospitalization rating and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability, finding that the Veteran's current upper back or neck symptomatology is related to residuals of a documented gunshot wound in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a higher rating for lumbar spine strain and radiculopathy, as well as service connection for lower extremity radiculopathy. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his service-connected cervical spine disability and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, as well as additional development of the claims file.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II has been withdrawn.,The Board is remanding the claims of service connection for a neck disability, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity (RUE), headaches (claimed as cephalgia), erectile dysfunction (ED), and intestinal disability due to exposure to contaminated waters at Camp Lejeune. The VA will provide additional examinations and obtain medical opinions regarding these issues.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a total abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy and Hartman's pouch (intestinal disability) is remanded, as the Veteran has not been provided a VA examination to assess this condition.

The Veteran's cervical spine surgery required convalescence through March 30, 2015. The Board granted an extension of a temporary total evaluation for this period.