Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Board has decided that the claim for service connection for left shoulder disability, to include as secondary to service-connected cervical spine disability, needs further development and is therefore remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on his service-connected neck, low back, GERD, and esophageal stricture disabilities are being remanded due to inadequate examinations and the need for clarification of functional loss.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including cervical strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine, right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, hypertension, basilar skull fracture, and status post tympanoplasty, are being remanded for further evaluation due to lack of recent VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development. The issues of increased evaluations for asthma, migraine headaches, cervical spine strain post fusion C5-C6 with disc bulging and stenosis, and lumbago with L3-L4 disc herniation are all pending. A total disability rating based on individual unemployment (TDIU) prior to September 20, 2021 is also pending.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as service-connected due to its onset during active service and aggravation by her service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's asthma is granted as service-connected due to its manifestation within the 10-year presumptive period following separation from active service in Afghanistan.,The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is granted as service-connected due to its onset during active service.,The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's chronic bilateral ear disorder is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity nerve damage, to include as a result of a service-connected disability, is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity nerve damage, to include as a result of a service-connected disability, is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, to include as a result of a service-connected disability, is granted as service-connected due to its aggravation by her major depressive disorder.,The Veteran's chronic headaches are granted as service-connected with an increased rating required based on the frequency and severity of attacks.,The Veteran's lumbar spine spondylosis at L5-S1 prior to September 25, 2019 is granted as service-connected with a higher rating required after that date.,The Veteran's cervical spine osteoarthritis prior to September 25, 2019 is granted as service-connected with a higher rating required after that date.,The Veteran's right knee medial compartment osteoarthritis is granted as service-connected with a higher rating required based on the severity of symptoms.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient compliance with previous remands. The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, as secondary to her service-connected disabilities, is being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded several issues for additional development, including service connection claims and evaluations of various disabilities. The effective date for the grant of service connection for right elbow epicondylitis (pronation) is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected back, neck, right ankle, left ankle, right foot, and left foot disabilities require additional examinations to comply with VA examination requirements. The cases are being remanded.

The Board has remanded four issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating determinations. These include right ear sensorineural hearing loss, left ear sensorineural hearing loss, a neck disability (claimed as C Disc), and residuals of a traumatic brain injury.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for heart disability, sleep disability (including insomnia and OSA), left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and cervical spine disability due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to ambiguities in the VA examination reports and the need for additional information regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy was granted a 30 percent disability rating from March 4, 2010 to June 30, 2019.,From July 1, 2019 to December 10, 2021, the Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy was denied a higher than 30 percent disability rating.

The Board denied service connection for a neck disability and remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disability other than calluses, to include plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is granted a separate rating as secondary to her service-connected spondylosis of the thoracic spine. The cervical and thoracic spine conditions are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine condition, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his in-service injury and did not manifest within one year of separation from service.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine disability, bilateral ankle disabilities, and OSA due to inadequate VA examinations. The effective date of TDIU is inextricably intertwined with these service connection claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back and neck disabilities, but has remanded these issues due to a lack of medical evidence on the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and correctly decide the Veteran's claims for service connection, including a new examination for his left lateral collateral ligament sprain. The issues of service connection have also been remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hand disorder, including arthritis and cervical radiculopathy, finding that there is no evidence of such disorders in service or within one year of discharge. The current conditions are not related to service-connected disabilities.