Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2024

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, but the AOJ must implement the initial ratings of these conditions. The AOJ is also remanded to schedule a VA examination to assess eligibility for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to March 22, 2013 is denied. The effective date of the TDIU award cannot be earlier than March 22, 2013 as no formal or informal claim was received before that date.

The Board has dismissed the issues of whether new and relevant evidence has been received to readjudicate claims for migraines, tinnitus, left wrist disability, right wrist disability, heart disability (also claimed as arrhythmia), and neck disability due to a claims processing error.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to missing service treatment records and outstanding private medical records. The Veteran's SSN may be incorrect, and a search should be conducted using both correct and incorrect numbers.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, PTSD, cervical degenerative joint disease with fusion C3-7, lumbosacral strain (low back pain), and various peripheral nerve conditions, meet the criteria for SMC at a higher rate due to their combined effect on his ability to perform daily activities.

Your appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to decide your claims as they are no longer pending.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are remanded for further evaluation due to the need for clarification on whether their functional limitations constitute ankylosis.

The Veteran's IBS has been granted a 10 percent rating from November 21, 2016. The other issues have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability, specifically his range of motion and functional impairment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, right shoulder, left shoulder, and vestibular disorder disabilities due to service. The VA will obtain additional medical opinions to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluation of cervical spine disability and service connection for bilateral knee degenerative joint disease was denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current disabilities to active service, including as due to exposure to environmental toxins.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of various issues, including service connection claims and a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of GERD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, bilateral foot, and cervical spine disabilities due to a lack of new and relevant evidence.

The Veteran's cervical spine condition, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the spine and cervical strain, is related to service. The Board finds that there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not providing an adequate VA examination and medical opinion.,The Veteran's rib condition, diagnosed as a hairline fracture due to jump from a Black Hawk, is related to service. The Board finds that there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not providing an adequate VA examination and medical opinion.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is related to service. The Board finds that there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not providing an adequate VA examination and medical opinion.,The Veteran's left femur condition, diagnosed as a femur injury in 1987, is related to service. The Board finds that there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not providing an adequate VA examination and medical opinion.,The Veteran's right-hand condition, diagnosed as dupuytren's contracture with lacerations, is related to service. The Board finds that there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not providing an adequate VA examination and medical opinion.,The Veteran's left-hand condition, diagnosed as dupuytren's contracture with lacerations and osteopenia, is related to service. The Board finds that there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not providing an adequate VA examination and medical opinion.,The Veteran's right wrist condition, diagnosed as lacerations of the right forearm/hand, is related to service. The Board finds that there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not providing an adequate VA examination and medical opinion.,The Veteran's left wrist condition, diagnosed as lacerations of the left forearm/hand, is related to service. The Board finds that there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not providing an adequate VA examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate these matters as they are not related to her life.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the VA examination provided was inadequate for adjudication of the Veteran's claim and thus remanded to schedule a new examination.

The Board has granted service connection for neck disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy as due to neck disability, and left upper extremity radiculopathy as due to neck disability.,Service connection is also granted for chronic sinusitis and headaches, both of which are deemed related to the Veteran's neck disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for disabilities of the cervical spine, bilateral elbows, bilateral shoulders, and bilateral wrists as there is no evidence of a current disability or an in-service event that could be linked to these conditions.