Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2023

The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and remanded the claims of cervical spine, right hip, left knee, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities due to lack of evidence supporting current diagnoses.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was dismissed as moot because he has been in receipt of a total (100 percent) disability rating since February 26, 2016.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity were granted a 30 percent disability rating from March 28, 2014.,Service connection for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity was also granted on March 28, 2014.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for pinguecula, lower back disability, cervical disability, and headaches. These issues are remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability may be related to service, and therefore remanded for further development of medical records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly assess the Veteran's cervical spine disability and remands the case for further action.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, radicular pain of the upper extremities, GERD, and shoulder strain with impingement have been granted. The Veteran's DDD of the cervical spine and lumbar spine are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left shoulder, cervical spine, and left wrist disabilities have been remanded due to the need for further development. The claim for a temporary total rating following June 2016 surgery on her service-connected left elbow disability has also been referred back to the AOJ.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis with unsteady gait and slurred speech is denied, while the claim for residuals of neck injury, cervical spine degenerative joint disease of the right upper extremity is granted as secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral ankle disability, cervical (neck) injury, lumbosacral strain, right ear injury, right jaw injury, and pseudofolliculitis barbae due to insufficient evidence in some cases. The Veteran will be afforded examinations to address these issues.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lower back, neck, and right hip disabilities. The claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing service treatment records and the Veteran's credible testimony of an inservice injury. The claim will be returned for further development, including obtaining medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits have been dismissed as he withdrew his claims for abdominal injury, tuberculosis, spots on the lungs, and kidney disorder. The remaining issues of cervical spine DDD, right shoulder neuritis, pelvis fracture residuals, right leg disorder, left leg disorder, right hip disorder, and left hip disorder were denied.

The Veteran's neck disability is rated at 30 percent since the date of his claim, effective February 19, 2020.,Radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is rated at 20 percent as of October 16, 2019.,Radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is rated at 20 percent as of October 16, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability due to new evidence submitted by the veteran. The claims are being reopened as there is now sufficient evidence to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, TMJ, and various musculoskeletal conditions have been denied. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for these conditions are also denied.,Additionally, the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus has been denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, left knee disability, lower back disability, neck disability, acquired skin disorder (PFB, eczema, lichen simplex), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depressive disorder). The claim for bilateral pes planus is granted due to aggravation of a pre-existing condition during active service. The other claims are remanded as new evidence has been received but the Board did not find it sufficient to grant service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and inadequate examination reports. The Veteran is advised to provide copies of any Army service treatment records in his possession, as well as outstanding private treatment records.

Service connection for sleep apnea was denied.,Radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities were granted with a rating of 20 percent, but no higher.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve involvement) as secondary to a service-connected degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine. The issues regarding neck/cervical spine disability and right knee disability are remanded.