Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates and increased ratings have been dismissed as the initial ratings were already assigned prior to May 24, 2021.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's left lower extremity sciatica. The issue of service connection for left lower extremity sciatica as secondary to degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is also being addressed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 23, 2022 for a 20 percent evaluation for left cubital tunnel. The evidence did not support finding that an earlier effective date was warranted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection have been dismissed as the appellant has withdrawn them.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, cervical spine disability, and increased ratings for her left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,An effective date earlier than March 18, 2017, is not warranted for the award of service connection for fibromyalgia, left knee extension, or left knee flexion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current neck disability is related to their service-connected left shoulder disability. Additional information and a VA examination are needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back pain and cervical spine disabilities due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran is also being asked to complete a VA Form 21-8940 regarding his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine has been reopened due to new and material evidence. The reduction in disability rating for allergic rhinitis from 10% to 0% was not proper, so a restoration of the 10% rating is granted.,Service connection for chronic sinusitis secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis is granted. However, an increased rating for allergic rhinitis remains pending and needs further review.,The reduction in disability rating for allergic rhinitis from 10% to 0% was not proper, so the Veteran's claim for restoration of the 10% rating is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a neck disability and a right shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these disabilities and active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have made it necessary for him to rely on the aid and attendance of another person since March 30, 2016. The Board has granted SMC based on this need.

The Veteran's chronic kidney disease is granted as secondary to medication for service-connected conditions. The neck and shoulder disabilities are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. Service connection is established for a cervical spine disorder, numbness in left arm, and numbness in left hand.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected thoracic spinal strain, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, right shoulder brachial plexopathy, and left shoulder strain have been remanded due to the need for further evaluation.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings, but has also remanded several issues due to the need for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various joint disabilities, including neck, bilateral finger, knee, foot, and elbow disabilities. The Veteran's claim is based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary to another condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various types of chronic pain syndrome were denied, and the effective date was not granted earlier than May 2, 2022.

The reduction in rating for residuals of service-connected lumbar degenerative arthritis from 40 percent to 20 percent effective May 12, 2022 is improper and void ab initio. The petition to reverse the reduction is granted.,Effective dates are granted for service connection for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity and left elbow supination.

The Veteran's gastric ulcer with erosive gastroduodenitis is granted an initial 20 percent rating.,Other service connection claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding records and duty to assist omissions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical condition but has remanded the issue of service connection for his vestibular disorder, as there are insufficient medical opinions to determine its etiology.