Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a gynecological condition, including cervical dysplasia, adenomyosis, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and a hysterectomy, have been reopened. The claim of service connection for fainting vasovagal syncope is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.,Service connection was also denied for various conditions, including a back disability, left foot disability, chronic body tremors, arteriovenous malformation, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left and right upper extremity radiculopathy, cervical spine stenosis, and lumbar degenerative disc disease, preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete record development regarding his cervical spine disability, memory loss, and fatigue.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received, granting the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (claimed as left arm numbness), and left shoulder arthritis.,The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received, granting the Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder arthritis.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for back and neck disabilities are being reviewed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis, cervical spine as there is no evidence of a current disability that began during or was caused by military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, specifically addressing his SI joint and iliac crest deformity. The case will also include an addendum opinion from a clinician regarding whether he requires aid and attendance due to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a left ankle disability. The claims for service connection of the left shoulder, cervical spine, back, and right wrist disabilities are remanded due to incomplete verification of service dates and need for additional medical examination in context of combat exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and readjudication due to a lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding that new and material evidence was submitted. The cervical spine disability is not related to service or a service-connected condition.,Service connection for the cervical spine disability is denied as there is no credible evidence linking it to service.

The appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for a sleep condition is dismissed.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder are granted as service connected.,Secondary service connection is granted for cervical spine, right knee, and left knee conditions due to lumbosacral spine condition.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to insufficient efforts in obtaining medical records, particularly those from overseas during the Veteran's service and post-service care. The RO is instructed to make formal findings regarding these efforts.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for rating higher than 10 percent for cervical spine prior to August 18, 2021; a higher rating than 20 percent for thoracolumbar spine (low back disability); and a higher rating than 30 percent from June 4, 2018.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability and its relationship to service, as well as whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability or left shoulder strain.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's right knee and cervical spine disabilities, as well as a need for an examination to determine the current severity of his left inguinal hernia.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of epididymitis and therefore denied service connection for this condition. The remaining issues are remanded due to insufficient evidence.