Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including back, neck, knee, and stomach conditions. The cases are being returned to provide VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent prior to July 1, 2021.,Service connection for a gastrointestinal condition as secondary to the service-connected neck disability has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The issues of service connection for cervical spine strain, lumbar spine strain, bilateral ankle lateral ligament strain, cephalgia headaches, myelodysplastic syndrome, and traumatic brain injury are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neck, right hip, and left hip disabilities due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected foot disability and the need for convalescence following bunionectomies.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities have been granted a 20% rating, effective prior to April 5, 2022. The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy has also been granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the reduction of ratings for cervical spine degenerative arthritis was not proper and has restored the original ratings. The Veteran's claims for a higher rating, TDIU, and SMC are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II, rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine due to new information regarding her exposure to toxic agents during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, cervical spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disability. The Board found that there was no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions regarding incidents in service that could have caused her current disabilities.

The Board dismissed the claims for erectile dysfunction, denied the claims for fibromyalgia and CFS, and denied the claims for headaches and neck disability. The claim for a TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, testicular mass, allergic rhinitis, and TMJ disorder with teeth grinding, are being remanded for further evaluation due to recent complaints from the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claim for a cervical spine disability due to lack of compliance with previous remand directives and requires a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 24, 2016.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a neck disability and trapezius strain due to incomplete development of the record, including lack of consideration of recent medical findings and treatment records.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, left and right foot conditions, bilateral shoulder condition, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's claims will be further developed to obtain legible service records and determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected cervical spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome, right knee osteoarthritis, right knee recurrent patellar dislocation and slight instability with right meniscal tear status post arthroscopy, right knee total arthroplasty, and left knee total arthroplasty. The remand is due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected psychiatric disorder, cervical spine disability, and thoracolumbar spine disability. The issues are also inextricably intertwined with a claim of service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar, cervical spine, and bilateral hip degenerative arthritis as the evidence did not show a chronic disease or injury during service that caused current disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including PTSD, lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, migraine headaches, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, left knee instability, left knee degenerative arthritis status post patella femoral ligament repair, right knee disability, sinusitis, rhinitis, and erectile dysfunction. The appeal is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of her spinal disorders, including chronic thoracolumbar pain, segmental and somatic dysfunction of the lumbar and thoracic region, ankylosing spondylitis of cervical spine, neuralgia of all three radicular groups, and stress fracture right inferior pubic ramus (right hip disability).

The Veteran's left ankle condition is not related to her active service, and the Board finds that she does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted.,The Veteran's neck/cervical spine disorder is found to be secondary to her service-connected migraines. The Board grants service connection for this issue.