Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and diffuse degenerative disc disease with cervical spondylosis, claiming as upper back pain. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims of in-service injury or continuity of symptoms.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the Veteran's need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, as it has been over five years since the last examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further action, including obtaining VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her arthritis. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient documentation of back pain during service, specifically in May 1973. The Veteran's claim for low back disability is being reviewed again with a focus on this period.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee disability, neck disability, back disability, carotid artery disease, heart disability (manifested by chest pain), and peripheral vascular disease due to inadequate examinations in previous decisions. The new opinions are required to address continuity of symptomatology and in-service complaints.

The Board has remanded the claim for an addendum medical opinion and to discuss the credibility of the appellant's statements regarding the Veteran's neck pain during service.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective April 26, 2016. His cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent, also effective April 26, 2016. The Veteran's substance abuse disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric and orthopedic disorders.

The Veteran's lumbar DDD and spondylosis have not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent since March 29, 2019.,The Veteran's cervical DDD and spondylosis have not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent from August 20, 2021.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including bilateral foot, wrist, ankle, knee, groin injury with residual erectile dysfunction, TBI with headaches, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and bilateral hearing loss disability, have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for additional medical evaluation due to a worsening of the disabilities since the last examinations. The Veteran's right upper extremity disabilities need further assessment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, deviated septum, cervical spine disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, and migraine headaches due to untimely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) filed more than one year after notification of the February 2016 rating decision.

The Board denied service connection for a head injury, tinnitus, and neck disability due to the lack of evidence supporting an in-service event or injury.,No medical nexus was established between any of these conditions and military service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum medical opinion for the Veteran's cervical spine disability due to incomplete and inaccurate opinions in the previous VA examination reports.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical disc disease, degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity due to inadequate VA examinations. The issues are inextricably intertwined as the rating assigned for one condition may affect another.

The Veteran's claim to service connection for a back condition was reopened and granted.,Service connection is now established for lumbar spine disorder and cervical spine disorder.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is still necessary prior to the adjudication of the issues of appeal, including obtaining VA examinations for the Veteran's musculoskeletal disabilities and information regarding his employment status.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and upper torso disabilities due to inadequate opinions regarding these conditions. The Veteran is also being asked to clarify which medical examiner or examiners' information he is requesting.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to non-compliance with previous directives.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, back disability, neck disability, and right shoulder tendinopathy with strain are all found to be related to service.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.