Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to assess the Veteran's cervical spine condition, as the previous examination did not adequately address flare-ups and their impact on function.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to the Veteran's failure to appear for VA examinations. The AOJ should reschedule the examinations for his claimed left thumb and cervical spine conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues of service connection for upper and lower back disability, neck disability, headaches, and sleep condition are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome has been denied, as his reports are linked to sleep apnea and a service-connected psychiatric disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been granted.,The Veteran's neck disability (cervical spondylosis with myelopathy) is considered service connected.,The Veteran's radiculopathies of the upper extremities are also considered service connected.,New and material evidence was received to reopen the claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability, which is granted in part.,Other claims remain pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the onset and etiology of his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability is also remanded as it was not addressed in the initial decision.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine condition as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability due to lack of causal relationship between the conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical strain and left elbow disability due to incomplete STRs. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability with left upper extremity radiculopathy is granted as service connected due to in-service combat exposure and heavy use of combat gear.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical strain and bilateral cervical radiculopathy due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is required to provide additional evidence or undergo a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for PTSD due to insufficient medical evidence on file, including a lack of recent VA treatment records. The Veteran will need to undergo new examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his cervical spine condition and the current severity of his PTSD.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for tinnitus as it was granted in a separate decision. The remaining claims of service connection for various disabilities are remanded due to the need for further medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent from June 12, 2022. The rating was granted as the condition has been manifested by forward flexion of the cervical spine to 15 degrees or less.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional records and an examination of the appellant's neck condition. The appeal is not about service connection at all, but rather a request for clarification on whether his current diagnoses are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the left arm and right arm disability claims, and denied all issues of increased rating or service connection.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar, cervical, right foot, left foot, hepatitis C, and acquired psychiatric disabilities as there is no evidence of in-service onset or relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for cervical spine strain with IVDS, lumbosacral strain with IVDS, and right upper extremity radiculopathy due to incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine disability has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for memory loss and sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating prior to September 15, 2017 was denied by the Board in August 2020. The Court granted a Joint Motion for Partial Remand (JMPR) and remanded the issue.,In April 2023, the AOJ awarded an increased rating of 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5242 for the period from June 14, 2012 to September 15, 2017.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to June 2, 2014 due to inadequate examinations conducted during flare-ups or after repetition over time. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to address his knee and cervical spine disabilities.

Service connection is granted for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and migraines.,The right shoulder disability and the right front tooth chipped issue are being remanded for further review.