Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's initial rating for his back disability prior to May 5, 2021 was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's initial rating for his neck disability prior to May 5, 2021 was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's increased rating for his back disability from May 5, 2021 was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's increased rating for his neck disability from May 5, 2021 was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is aggravated by her service-connected left shoulder disability, and therefore grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding separate ratings for neuralgia and neuritis, as well as SMC based on loss of use of the left upper extremity. Additional development is needed to address these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination results and requests for additional development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for dizziness, finding that the Veteran's dizziness is caused by medication taken to treat his service-connected PTSD. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the in-service injury and continuity of symptoms.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is denied a rating in excess of 10 percent from December 7, 2012, to September 24, 2021, and a rating in excess of 20 percent from September 25, 2021, to November 28, 2021. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is also denied a rating in excess of 30 percent from November 29, 2021, to the present. A ten percent rating for residuals of left tibia stress fracture before February 7, 2021, and a twenty percent rating after that date are granted.

The Board has determined that there are issues related to the Veteran's cervical condition and numbness/tingling of his lower and upper extremities. These issues have been remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than May 21, 2012 for left great toe neuropathy and left lower extremity sciatica have been denied as the effective date is based on the date of receipt of the claim.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine DDD, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right lower extremity sciatica, and a lumbar scar received August 31, 2011 have been denied as there are no earlier unaddressed filings or communications that would warrant an earlier effective date.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities, as well as radiculopathy of the lower and upper extremities. The remand requires a VA examination to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has determined that additional relevant service medical and personnel records have been received, necessitating the reconsideration of multiple claims for various disabilities.

The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance from September 20, 2017. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to be at a high risk of falling due to numbness in his hands and feet.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, as well as alcohol abuse disability and peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities.,Reasoning: The medical evidence supports a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied service connection for chronic neck pain, finding no evidence of a disease or injury during active duty or qualifying periods of reserve service. The Veteran's current cervical spine disability is not related to any in-service event and is considered a result of normal aging.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities due to a lack of VA treatment records, and requests that he provide lay statements from individuals who have knowledge about his in-service injuries. A VA examination is also required to determine the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical arthritis and spondylosis (neck condition) were not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, continuity of symptomatology is not established, and the disability is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease. Service connection for this condition is denied.,The Veteran's arthritis of the lumbar spine was not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, continuity of symptomatology is not established, and the disability is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease. Service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and cervical spine disorder due to issues with the opinions provided in previous VA examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which he contends are related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted as service connected.,Left upper extremity radiculopathy, claimed as left arm disability, and right upper extremity radiculopathy are both granted as secondary to the service-connected cervical spine disability.,Left foot disability, including pes planus, is granted as service connected.,An increased rating for residuals of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is remanded.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal, satisfied with the decisions on cervical spine, TMJ dysfunction, and right ankle disabilities. No further action is needed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for neck disability, right shoulder disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety).