Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Board has granted earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for sciatica of the bilateral lower extremities and GERD. The issues of initial increased ratings for sciatica of the bilateral lower extremities and a TDIU are being remanded.,The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is pending, with a need to obtain personnel records and determine active duty periods.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to outstanding treatment records and an updated VA examination is necessary.

The Veteran's back disability was not manifested by forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less for the appeal period from September 16, 2008 to June 19, 2018. However, as of June 20, 2018, her limitation of range of motion approximated a level contemplated by a 40% disability rating.,The Veteran's neck disability was not manifested by forward flexion between 15 degrees and 30 degrees; or a combined range of motion of less than 170 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or spinal contour.

The Veteran's groin condition with scar is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings.,The Veteran's cerebral hemangioblastoma residuals with scar are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings and the need for a toxic exposure screening.,The Veteran's pancreatitis, GERD, and cervical spine disability are being remanded as they are intertwined with his cerebral hemangioblastoma claim on appeal.,The Veteran's OSA is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination addressing obesity as an intermediate step.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings and the need for a VA examination addressing obesity as an intermediate step.,The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.,The Veteran's lymph node condition is being remanded due to the need for a VA toxic exposure screening.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his claim of entitlement to TDIU on a temporary basis due to pending development.

The Board has remanded the claims for reopening due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability and right shoulder disability have been granted.,Earlier effective dates for the assignment of ratings for depression disorder (70%) and lumbar spine disability (40%) are denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to obtain private treatment records. The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is being reviewed again for proper consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of clear and unmistakable aggravation during service. The Veteran's representative requested additional development regarding his foot disability.

The Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder, right wrist condition, and right RC condition have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the current conditions and active service.,Service connection was not granted due to lack of in-service treatment or complaints related to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment as of September 30, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the Veteran experienced neck pain related to degenerative osteoarthritis since his separation from active duty.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that her conditions began during active military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examination reports and issues related to his service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his sleep disability and acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for CAD, a respiratory condition, erectile dysfunction, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to potential toxic exposure in service. The claims are also being remanded for a new opinion regarding his service-connected GERD claim.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, seizure disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea. The cervical spine disability is being remanded.,Service connection was not granted for the Veteran's claimed conditions due to lack of evidence supporting a current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted.,Service connection is also granted for an unspecified trauma related disorder, which the examiner opined was at least as likely as not caused by in-service hyperventilation syndrome.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a cervical spine disability, cause of death, and DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 due to insufficient medical opinions regarding causation and aggravation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases have been remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records, including National Guard service treatment records and VA treatment records. The effective dates for some awards are also being reviewed.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his cervical and lumbar spine conditions due to incomplete development of records and need for further examination.