Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2024

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of error in decision-making. The Veteran was granted service connection for low back strain and right lower extremity femoral radiculopathy, effective June 15, 2021.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for her service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations. The AOJ should consider separate ratings for any associated neurological conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity was granted effective June 14, 2001. The date entitlement arose is prior to the date of claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,The Board has remanded several issues, including hypertension, which is suspected to be related to toxic exposure risk activities (TERA) during his Persian Gulf War service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was previously rated at 30 percent prior to July 15, 2017. The claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent is denied.,From September 17, 2017, to June 15, 2018, the Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 40 percent. A remand is ordered as there are issues with obtaining medical records and reopening a claim for service connection of IBS.,The petition to reopen the claim for service connection of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, including degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease, spondylosis, and stenosis, is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it was caused by or aggravated by service-connected left shoulder dislocation.

The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is granted an initial disability rating of 20 percent. Other conditions have either been denied or are not at issue.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 10 percent prior to November 8, 2021 and at 20 percent since then.,The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy meets the criteria for a rating of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate notice and duty to assist errors. The Veteran is required to provide information about any private treatment records, which will be sought by VA.

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims due to duty-to-assist errors, including failure to obtain relevant private treatment records and rescheduling of VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sinusitis with allergic rhinitis, a chronic thoracolumbar spine disability, and a chronic cervical spine disability. The Veteran's symptoms began during his active service and have persisted since.

The Board has denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and cervical radiculopathy. The Veteran's GERD claim is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.,Service connection was not granted for the Veteran's claimed conditions as there was no credible evidence linking them to his military service.

The Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with cervical strain status post (s/p) cervical fusion, cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, and left shoulder strain with rotator cuff tear was denied.,A 20 percent rating for IVDS with cervical strain s/p cervical fusion is granted effective September 26, 2022.

The Veteran's PTSD, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right knee PFS with limitation of flexion and extension, and left knee PFS with limitation of flexion and extension are all rated as they currently stand.,An initial rating higher than the current ratings for these conditions is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain, lumbosacral strain, and right shoulder strain with sternal clavicular malunion. Service connection for right knee strain is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is being reviewed again as it may be related to service, including parachute jumps.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's chronic fatigue symptoms and their relationship to service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his reported fatigue/sleep disorder, including CFS.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for various conditions and remanded them for further action.

Service connection is granted for chronic back pain and chronic neck pain. The remaining claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a neck disability, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability. The case will be further reviewed and decided by the AOJ.