Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at a 30 percent rating, effective from May 23, 2014. The claim for TDIU prior to January 1, 2021 was denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, but not higher. The left upper extremity radiculopathy was initially granted a 30 percent rating and later increased to 60 percent.,The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination to address secondary service connection claims, including those related to antibiotic medications used to treat service-connected respiratory and sinus conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to insufficient examination reports. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which he contends are related to injuries sustained in service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete medical records and insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of her claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was previously rated at 10% prior to November 20, 2018. From November 20, 2018, to July 30, 2020, the rating was increased to 20%. Since then, a higher rating has not been granted.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus between the condition and active service or the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain disability or right biceps tendinitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to failure to comply with previous directives and issues related to scheduling of VA examinations. The Veteran is advised to provide his current address and contact information for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disabilities, Meniere's disease, cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, and lumbosacral spine disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's complete service treatment records are not available.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders due to insufficient evidence in the record. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to procedural issues and the need for a new examination. The Veteran's claims of increased rating for cervical spine disability and TDIU are being considered.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, lower back disability, and hypertension due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities based on the Veteran's in-service helicopter crashes. The conditions are presumed to be related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back and cervical spine conditions on a secondary basis to his service-connected left knee disability. The rating for chondromalacia patella, left knee, status post contusion remains remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from performing the physical acts required for employment, and therefore compensation for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome has been reopened, but the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of CFS.,Service connection for neck disability and right shoulder disability is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions. The rating for hypothyroidism is also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder and a compensable rating for left little finger disability, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeals.