Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's cervical spine condition is related to service. The case will be reviewed with a new VA examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected cervical spine and left arm radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, right and left knee conditions, hip and ankle arthritis, tinnitus, and other impairments, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU are met.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disorder is rated at 30 percent, effective August 31, 2017. Effective the same date, he also has a grant of service connection for radiculopathy of both upper extremities.

The Veteran's dizziness has been granted service connection and a rating of 10 percent is assigned.,A 40 percent rating for lumbosacral spine DDD is granted throughout the appeal period, with forward flexion less than 30 degrees.,A 30 percent rating for cervical spine DDD is granted throughout the appeal period, with forward flexion less than 15 degrees.,The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 40 percent rating since October 19, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids were granted a 10% rating prior to August 28, 2018 and a 20% rating from that date forward. The cervical spine disability was denied service connection.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and radiculopathy of the upper extremities have been granted service connection as they are found to be related to his military service.,Service connection has also been established for radiculopathy of both the left and right upper extremities, which is considered secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of lumbar strain and service connection for a cervical spine disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has found that the VA examinations and opinions provided were inadequate, particularly in addressing the Veteran's contentions regarding his claimed disabilities being related to his service-connected scar. The case is therefore remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for headache disability, which is secondary to a service-connected neck disability, and for TDIU due to one or more service-connected disabilities. The remand requires an addendum medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's headaches and his service-connected neck disability.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and right shoulder disabilities. Service connection was denied for a left shoulder disability.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed for the Veteran's claims, and he is advised to attend these appointments. The pulmonary breathing disorder claim also requires further examination and testing.

The Board has remanded the cases due to outstanding private treatment records from Dr. W.H.B.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of consideration of certain medical evidence and lay statements regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's cervical strain was incurred in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for cervical spine arthritis, left knee limitation of flexion, and left knee limitation of extension have been dismissed. The appeal for service connection for a right knee disability has also been dismissed.,Service connection for GERD is granted as the Veteran's current diagnosis aligns with her reported onset in service. Service connection for lower back disability is granted based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for low back disability, cervical dysplasia, post-traumatic stress disorder with depressive disorder, and plantar fasciitis of the bilateral feet. The Veteran's new evidence is sufficient to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance from June 9, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.