Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, right hand, and left hand disabilities due to incomplete adjudication.

The Veteran's cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy with myoclonic jerk of the left upper extremity is currently rated at 40 percent, effective June 1, 2023. The Board denied an increased rating for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasons and bases for its findings and conclusions, specifically regarding the lack of a clear nexus between the Veteran's cervical condition and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected disability.,A VA examination was scheduled, but the Veteran did not report for it. The Board found that this affected the claim's outcome.

The Veteran's disability rating for his service-connected regional myofascial pain syndrome associated with degenerative arthritis of cervical spine and regional myofascial pain syndrome with residual shooting pain in the left hand, spasm and hand closure previously rated as radiculopathy LUE is restored to 30 percent effective April 1, 2018. The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are remanded due to inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's initial rating for cervical spondylosis is denied as the evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine. The Veteran's left great toe strain and right knee strain are each rated at 20 percent, but no higher. The Veteran's RLS is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical stenosis, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his military service and his current condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding no evidence linking it to his military service.,The Board also denied reopening of the Veteran's claims for cervical spine and seizures, as new relevant evidence was not provided.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a rating of 50 percent, but no higher. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. Service connection is granted for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to herbicides and/or disabilities. Service connection is also granted for GERD, migraine headaches, TBI, neck disability, and low back disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis is rated at 10 percent, as the combined range of motion was not less than 170 degrees.,The Veteran's left lower extremity sciatica is rated at 10 percent, as it did not result in more than mild incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, as diastolic pressure was not predominantly 100 or more and systolic pressure was not predominantly 160 or more.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The cervical spinal fusion disability is rated at 40 percent, neck scars are rated at 30 percent, and loss of taste remains noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The issues of entitlement to service connection for neck disability, torticollis, back disability, and essential tremors are now before the Board.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine DDD and DJD, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a back disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's spine and gastrointestinal disabilities, as well as toxic exposure risk activities in Vietnam. The VA will obtain additional medical opinions addressing these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, thoracic back, left jaw numbness, and left upper extremity radiculopathy due to additional development of records and examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinea pedis and onychomycosis was denied. The Board also remanded the claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, hypertension, and sleep apnea have been denied as they are not related to his military service.,For the remaining issues (right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, cervical spine disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, loss of use of the right lower extremity, and loss of use of the left lower extremity), the case is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and inextricably intertwined with TDIU issues.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cervical spine disability and SMC based on aid and attendance was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a doctor, even considering pain.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in total unemployability, as he has not provided specific information about his employment history and income levels.