Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine disability was dismissed due to the Veteran's representative requesting withdrawal.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted, with the Board finding that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether it is related to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding medical records and additional opinions are needed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence. The claims are now remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his low back, neck, left shoulder, bilateral knee, and bilateral foot conditions.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board denied a higher rating as his range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her service-connected lumbar strain, cervical strain, dermatitis, and headaches due to incomplete examinations and lack of recent treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected low back and cervical spine disabilities due to incomplete medical records and insufficient examination findings regarding the severity of the conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to report for scheduled examinations. The Board will attempt to verify his current whereabouts and contact information, and schedule another examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability, left upper extremity neurological symptoms, right upper extremity neurological symptoms, residuals of a TBI (including vertigo and headaches), and finger disability. The claim for service connection for a finger disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disorder due to inconsistencies in his reports and the need for additional development. The case is being returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for a disability of the lumbar spine, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability. However, the cervical spine disability is not considered secondary to the service-connected left knee disability.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine condition, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus between current symptoms and in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine and lower back disorders due to insufficient rationale in a previous VA opinion, requiring new opinions from medical professionals.

The Veteran is granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including depression and other conditions. The effective date of this decision is August 28, 2023.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his cervical spine and right knee disabilities, as well as service connection for constipation secondary to the cervical spine disability, are being remanded due to inadequate previous examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened, and the appeal is remanded due to inadequate negative nexus opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral heel disability, cervical spine disability, and right wrist disability due to potential outstanding VA treatment records and incomplete examination opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment during the period from September 22, 2009, to prior to December 16, 2017. Therefore, entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted for this period.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for a neck disability, temporary total rating due to neck surgery, and compensable rating for myotic foot disease. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed again as the medical opinions provided were inadequate or unclear.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disability, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with lumbosacral strain, and tension headaches as secondary to cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's cervical spine disability.