Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to June 13, 2014 was denied as there is not sufficient evidence to substantiate a reasonable possibility that he was unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neck, back, left hip, and left knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations and issues with credibility of the Veteran's complaints.

The Board has found that the VA medical opinions and addendum opinions obtained in accordance with prior remand directives are inadequate, and thus the case is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of multiple joints are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Board has identified several issues that must be addressed, including those related to RA of the cervical spine, right and left shoulders, and wrists.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for uterine fibroids, sinusitis, neck disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, back disability, and bilateral foot disability (plantar fasciitis).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to comply with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. However, his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (previously claimed as PTSD) has been reopened and granted.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claim for entitlement to service connection for a neck disability was denied. The issues of higher ratings for diabetes mellitus, type I; unspecified anxiety disorder; and lumbosacral spine intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative disc disease were remanded. The issue of TDIU was also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip arthritis, degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, and degenerative changes of the cervical spine. The Veteran's disabilities are deemed to be due to wear and tear during his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on four knee and back disabilities have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew all issues on appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis status post lumbar laminectomy and intervertebral disc syndrome (lumbar spine disability), cervical spine degenerative arthritis with spinal stenosis, and bilateral knee chondrocalcinosis and degenerative arthritis. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury from a land mine explosion and continuous symptoms since service separation.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical degenerative disc disease and for a compensable rating for traumatic brain injury has been dismissed due to the Veteran's wife requesting withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral foot condition is not related to his active service.,There is no evidence of a current bilateral lower extremity neurological condition, and the Veteran does not have radiculopathy or neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for heart failure, neck upper back cervical spine condition, left leg condition, and right leg condition due to incomplete records from Social Security Administration (SSA).

The Board has remanded the claims for additional examinations and opinions to address the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically regarding his low back strain with degenerative joint disease, cervical spine condition, left clavicle fracture, and other symptoms. The issues are related to determining appropriate disability ratings based on the severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple disabilities, including neck, back, shoulder, and ankle conditions. The issues are related to whether these conditions began during or were otherwise caused by her military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical evidence and a need for a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for neck and back disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to her active service.,Secondary service connection for right and left knee disabilities is also granted, with the private medical opinion supporting this determination.

The Board has decided that the claims for increased ratings for cervical spine, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities need further review due to potential missing SSA records.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as left upper extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, right-hand disability, left-hand disability, left lower extremity sciatic pain, and right lower extremity sciatic pain due to lack of a medical nexus between the conditions and service or service-connected disabilities.