Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that the medical opinions provided were inadequate and remands the case for further development, including obtaining addendum medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's GERD was not rated higher than 10% prior to August 29, 2022 and in excess of 10% thereafter.,The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with left foot arthritis and bilateral calcaneal spur was rated at 50% after February 22, 2020.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on several of his service-connected conditions have been remanded by the Board. The issues include right upper extremity radiculopathy, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and right elbow medial epicondylitis and strain.

The Board has determined that the RO did not substantially comply with the September 2022 remand directives and thus, a remand for corrective actions is required.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability, cervical spine disability, sciatic nerve condition of the left lower extremity, and sciatic nerve condition of the right lower extremity.,There is no evidence in the record to support a nexus between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted as service-connected.,Right and left upper extremity radiculopathy are also granted as secondary to the service-connected cervical spine disability.,Residuals of TBI, low back disability, eye disability (to include as due to TBI), and right ankle disability are all remanded for further examination and opinion.,Malaria, heart disability, aortic aneurysm, diabetes mellitus, and sleep disability are also remanded for further examination and opinion.

This decision grants effective dates of September 28, 2017, but no earlier, for service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left upper extremities. The Veteran's claim for a 20% rating for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is denied as it cannot be determined that an increase in disability occurred prior to July 3, 2018.

The Board has remanded the cases of entitlement to service connection for a neck disability and a back disability due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity and functional impact of his condition.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and ratings have been resolved in final Board decisions, and these issues are now dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was received and must be considered in the context of the Veteran's claims for increased initial disability ratings. The appeal is being remanded to allow for a full review of the claims.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including a new VA examination for his psychiatric disorder and knee and spine disabilities.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including low back condition, cervical spine condition, knee conditions, shoulder conditions, peripheral neuropathy, and thyroid condition. The effective dates are not specified.

The Board has remanded the claims for traumatic brain injury, parkinsonism as secondary to TBI and/or service-connected headaches, empty sella syndrome (ESS) as secondary to TBI, cervical spine disability, and neck lesion condition (tumor). The Veteran's testimony indicates that he may have outstanding VA treatment records. Updated VA treatment records should be obtained on remand.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy is dismissed as the disability has already been granted. Service connection for a cervical spine disability is granted, with all doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's cervical strain and associated radiculopathy are rated based on their severity, with the rating being adjusted over time. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and severity of the Veteran's symptoms in May 2012 and June 2014, as well as any associated radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the claimed conditions. The Veteran's testimony and medical records indicate that these conditions are likely related to her periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for right shoulder, left elbow, bilateral ankle, bilateral knee, cervical spine, and thoracolumbar spine disabilities due to incomplete consideration of the Veteran's credible testimony regarding in-service injuries and continued symptoms after separation from service.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is granted, as there is evidence of a current diagnosis related to an in-service stressor.,The Veteran's claims for fatigue, cervical spine condition, thoracolumbar spine condition, and major depressive disorder are remanded due to insufficient medical examination or evaluation.,Verification of Southwest Asia service may be required for the Gulf War illness provisions.,Gulf War illness provisions apply if verified service in Southwest Asia is confirmed.

The Veteran's tinnitus, cervical disc disease, and migraines are all granted service connection. The Veteran is also remanded for additional audiograms to determine the severity of his bilateral hearing loss and a VA examination to assess the severity of his broken right hand disability.