Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted at a 10 percent rating from November 16, 2016. The claims for increased ratings of back strain and cervical strain are remanded.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain was granted an initial 20 percent rating prior to October 22, 2019. From that date onwards, a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed right lower extremity, left upper extremity, and right upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities. The claims are otherwise granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and the need for additional evidence. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are considered, but his lay statements regarding needing aid and attendance are also taken into account.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to April 3, 2017 are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, left ear tympanic membrane scar, lumbar spine disorder, and cervical spine disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for left lower extremity and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as cervical spine and upper extremity disabilities have been dismissed as moot due to prior decisions granting these claims.

The appeals for service connection of various conditions have been denied as no new and relevant evidence has been received to support the claims. The appeal for bilateral feet disabilities is being remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board's decision to dismiss the service connection claims was vacated due to a pending substitution claim by the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's cervical strain and/or cervicalgia, requiring a new examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and opinions to address whether his claimed disabilities are related to service, particularly given his in-service exposures and symptoms.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for viral hepatitis, right knee disability, right ankle disability, asthma, or cervical spine disability. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities due to new evidence submitted. However, the claims are still remanded as further medical examination is needed to determine if these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted effective October 6, 2021, but no earlier.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate development, specifically regarding a VA medical opinion for the cervical spine condition. The peripheral vestibular condition is inextricably intertwined with the cervical spine condition and will also be remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for hemorrhoids and cervical strain as there is no current disability, and the evidence does not show a neck injury or event during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and incomplete development of records. The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is granted, but her other musculoskeletal disabilities are not related to military service.

The Veteran's TBI is remanded for additional medical opinion to determine if it is related to the motor vehicle accident in service.,The Veteran's tenosynovitis of the right hand and left hand are remanded for additional medical opinion regarding whether they are secondary to cervical spondylosis and other service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is remanded for additional medical opinion regarding whether it is related to PTSD, lower extremity disabilities (but-for causes).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.