Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine disorder and associated radiculopathy, as well as a TDIU prior to September 11, 2014, are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence since the last SSOC.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back and neck disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any time during the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and a neck disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in service and have continued since then.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as cervical spine disability. The cervical spine disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset during service.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's heart condition was not service connected due to lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment and the absence of a causal link to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology and pathophysiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions. The claims are not granted as there is no current diagnosis or in-service incurrence of the claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for further evidentiary development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The Veteran was not provided adequate notice of his most recently scheduled examination in December 2022.

The Veteran's appeal is denied for various conditions and ratings, with some issues being denied in excess of the assigned rating and others having their ratings denied altogether.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and a cervical spine disorder are remanded due to ambiguities in the medical evidence. The Board finds further opinion is necessary to clarify whether the Veteran has these claimed disabilities or had them at any time during the appellate period, as well as to determine their likely etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for cervicalgia and neck muscle spasm, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are etiologically related to his in-service injuries. The decision is based on a September 2020 medical opinion by Dr. F.G., an orthopedic surgeon who reviewed the Veteran's treatment records and concluded that the Veteran's cervical spine disorders are likely related to in-service injuries during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 11, 2014, for the increased 10 percent rating for left Achilles tendon is denied.,The previously denied claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss has been reopened due to new and material evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and a neck disability, finding that the evidence did not establish a current disability or link to service.,Service treatment records from the appellant's Marine Corps service were negative for complaints or abnormalities pertaining to the back or neck. The VA medical records do not show any chronic conditions related to these disabilities.

A 70 percent evaluation for PTSD with MDD is granted.,An 80 percent evaluation prior to February 2, 2021, for partial complex seizure disorder is granted. An evaluation in excess of 80 percent beginning February 2, 2021, for partial complex seizure disorder is denied.,A compensable evaluation for cervical strain disability beginning May 27, 2013, is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to allegations of injuries during training exercises. The DROC is tasked with verifying these incidents and obtaining medical opinions on whether the appellant's current disabilities are related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorders and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if his current disabilities are related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent prior to November 22, 2021 and at 20 percent thereafter. The cervical spine disability remains rated at 20 percent.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was remanded due to insufficient evidence for a higher rating.

The Veteran's skin disability is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his service and exposure to CARC.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his service.,The Veteran's left ankle disability is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his service.,The Veteran's right ankle disability, including as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his service and whether it is aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.,The Veteran's tinnitus is being remanded for an addendum opinion from the April 2016 VA examiner to address whether it is due to military noise exposure.,The Veteran's neck disability, including as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his service.,The Veteran's hip disability, including a secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his service.,The Veteran's respiratory disability, including as due to exposure to CARC, is being remanded for an addendum opinion from the May 2016 VA examiner to address whether it is related to his service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's neck disability is related to service or secondary to his service-connected conditions, including low back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck disability and right shoulder disability due to incomplete records, unclear medical opinions, and inextricably intertwined issues.