Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 31, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending, and the issue of recognizing his spouse as a dependent is remanded due to its inextricability with these other claims.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability, radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities, bilateral flat feet, and sleep apnea. The conditions are considered to have started during active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, cervical strain, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Veteran's headaches are currently rated as noncompensable, but her claim for service connection is remanded.,The Veteran's gastric ulcer is secondary to prescribed medication for service-connected headaches and the claim is reopened. Service connection is also remanded.,Service connection for cervical spine disorder is granted based on an in-service motor vehicle accident and prolonged sitting during IT work. The claim is remanded.,Service connection for back disorder is granted based on an in-service motor vehicle accident, prolonged sitting during IT work, and a very poor mattress during deployment. The claim is also remanded.,The Veteran's left forearm and right forearm disorders are service-connected but the claims are remanded due to lack of specific diagnoses or additional evidence needed.,Service connection for left forearm disorder is granted based on an in-service motor vehicle accident and prolonged sitting during IT work. The claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's neck disability is granted service connection. Service connection for hypertension and a compensable rating for hemorrhoids are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for unspecified depressive disorder, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. Service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding secondary service connection and the onset of his psychiatric disorders. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disorder (allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis), headache disability, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and bilateral knee disability are all granted as service-connected due to exposure to burn pits during his deployment in Southwest Asia. Effective dates will be determined based on the date of receipt of claims.

For the period prior to February 25, 2021, your cervical spine disorder is not severe enough for a higher rating.,From September 10, 2018 to February 24, 2021, you are entitled to a 20% rating for your lumbar degenerative arthritis, spinal stenosis, and IVDS.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for his back condition, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability due to insufficient explanation in previous decisions and new evidence regarding the use of a Kevlar helmet during training exercises.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining an adequate medical opinion from a specialist.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis and right knee degenerative arthritis were denied increased ratings. The Veteran was granted a separate rating for limitation of extension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine degenerative arthritis, left shoulder disability, and right elbow disability due to incomplete development of records and examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's cervical spine disability and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, as well as its secondary or aggravation by a service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's neck condition, diagnosed in 2016, is found to be related to service and granted service connection.

The Board has granted entitlement to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, PDD, TB residuals, degenerative arthritis, spinal stenosis, and IVDS of the cervical spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, including arthritis, was incurred during her period of active duty service between September 2008 and October 2009. The VA examiner found a clear connection between the in-service injury and the current condition.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of increased rating for LUE radiculopathy and service connection claims for left arm carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical spine disability due to incomplete medical records. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to assess his current condition.