Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2024

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability and remanded the issues of service connection for thoracic spine disabilities, scars on the left lower extremity, right upper extremity, and face. The case is being returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various lower extremity and back disabilities, including lumbar spine, cervical spine, left hip, right hip, and left knee conditions. The reasons include inadequate prior examinations that did not adequately discuss the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability and his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities for accrued benefits purposes due to inadequate opinions in the previous VA etiology opinion.

The Veteran's GERD with Barrett's esophagitis was granted service connection during his period of active service. The right shoulder disability, IVDS with cervical degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity are all remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, in combination, precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. TDIU benefits are granted from June 5, 2017.

The Board has determined that the VA examination report is incomplete and remands the case for a new examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, including whether it is related to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected mild degenerative cervical disc disease is granted a disability rating of 30 percent, effective from the date of the VA examination showing forward flexion of the cervical spine at 15 degrees or less.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The examiner did not address the Veteran's statements about his in-service injury and symptoms, nor explain why lack of treatment was significant.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for various upper extremity and lower extremity disorders due to outstanding VA examinations. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional information regarding his unemployability.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and a neck disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and neck disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran contends that he sustained a tailbone injury during basic training, which may have led to his current disabilities.

The Veteran's headaches are found to have started in service and granted service connection.,Service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome of the cervical spine is denied as there is no evidence it began during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination regarding his back, neck, right shoulder, psychiatric disorder (depression), and hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral pes planus, right ankle degenerative joint disease, cervical paraspinal tendonitis, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and painful scars) have worsened to the point where he requires aid and attendance. The Board has ordered a remand for further examination to determine his need for SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound status.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of neck and back disabilities due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Board has ordered the case back to the RO for further development due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection claims for various disabilities, including shoulder, hip, and neck conditions. The Veteran's contentions of in-service injury and continuity of symptoms are not adequately addressed by the VA examiners.

Your claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded to the AOJ for further review of your medical records. You will be notified if any changes are made to your benefits.

The Veteran's tinnitus, migraine headaches, facial laceration, right ankle strain, and cervical strain are all found to be related to injuries sustained during his active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in April 1991.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's reported symptoms of tinnitus, migraines, a facial laceration, right ankle strain, and cervical strain that have persisted since service.

The Veteran's cervical degenerative arthritis and status post cervical fusion with cervical radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities are related to his active service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations are remanded due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.