Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Board has restored the Veteran's SMC benefits from March 13, 2017 due to improper severance.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination regarding the Veteran's cervical spine condition, as there is no clear evidence of its relation to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (including schizophrenia, MDD, and anxiety disorder), low back condition, and cervical condition. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings of various service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that it is less likely than not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's spine, knee, shoulder, and sense of smell disabilities due to new evidence. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for a right knee disability, reflux esophagitis, head injury, dysphagia, and a left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, along with other service-connected conditions, has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment since March 19, 2018. The Board grants a TDIU effective from that date.

The Veteran's neck disability and chronic sinusitis have been granted service connection. The gynecological disability claim is remanded due to new evidence.,Back and thyroid nodule claims are also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a qualifying hearing loss disability meeting VA's regulatory definition.,Service connection for TBI, whiplash, cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, sleep apnea, chronic fatigue, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to the need for further examination and clarification of medical opinions.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as bilateral upper and lower extremity radiculopathies, are granted. The Veteran's right shoulder disability and right knee disability remain in dispute.

The Veteran's PTSD, back disability, neck disability, and alopecia areata claims have been remanded for further examination and opinion. The effective date of service connection remains October 6, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, back disability, right knee and left knee disabilities, right thumb/hand disorders, right elbow and ankle disabilities, left hip strain, neck disability, and left shoulder disability due to additional development being required.

The Board granted earlier effective dates of October 27, 2014 for the service connection of cervical strain, left knee disability, and right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions, including left thumb fracture, lumbar and cervical spine conditions, right shoulder and knee conditions, ankle and foot conditions, and GERD are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for sciatica of the left and right lower extremities, as well as his cervical spine disability, headache disability, shoulder disabilities, joint pain, and sleep apnea are all remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.,The Board cannot make a fully informed decision on these claims without additional medical opinions addressing the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and increased disability ratings. The Veteran's liver condition, high blood pressure, PTSD, stool and anus problems, obstructive sleep apnea, left leg/hip disorder, chest pain, cervical spine disorder, left arm disability, lumbar spine disability, and TDIU claim are all on remand.

The Board denied service connection for cervical dysplasia and female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) as there was no evidence of their onset during active duty or a link to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a reduction in rating and TDIU due to his service-connected cervical strain with arthritis, right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, and inability to work. The issues are being remanded as new VA examinations are needed.

The Veteran's claims for neck disability, left upper extremity disability, and allergies have been granted.,A new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar disability, lower extremity radiculopathy, knee scars, hemorrhoids, and dermatitis of the feet.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back, neck, and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The VA must obtain updated medical opinions addressing the severity of these conditions without the ameliorative effects of medication.