Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his tension headaches was granted, with a 30 percent rating effective October 1, 2014. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine disability, sleep apnea, and muscle pain (hamstring injury). The claims for these conditions are based on direct service connection rather than secondary or aggravation of a pre-existing condition. However, the appeal is remanded for further development regarding the remaining issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for updated VA medical records, new examinations, and additional development regarding his reported stressors. The PACT Act requires a VA examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's disabilities and in-service toxic exposures.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left and right shoulder disabilities, neck disability (claimed as thoracic outlet syndrome), asthma, dystonic jerks/tremors, Horner's syndrome, phrenic nerve palsy, vasospasms, recurrent neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome/complex regional pain syndrome/recurrent pectoris minor syndrome, muscle tension dysphagia, and occipital migraines have been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lower back, neck, left knee, tinnitus, and sleep-related disabilities due to non-compliance with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's asthma, hypertension, neck disability, back disability, and laparoscopic residuals claims are remanded for additional development. The Board finds the evidence meets the McLendon criteria to obtain VA examinations for her hypertension, neck disability, back disability, and laparoscopic residuals.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine if his disabilities are related to military service.

The Board has found that further development is needed for the right shoulder and cervical spine disability ratings, as well as the TDIU rating. The case will be returned to the Board after compliance with appellate procedures.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence regarding her need for aid and attendance or housebound SMC based on her service-connected disabilities. The AOJ must obtain any outstanding treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for obtaining a Social Security earnings report to determine the Veteran's income from October 2015 to the present. The TDIU claim remains denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical fibrositis and remanded both the original claim and the secondary claim for pain and numbness of the bilateral upper extremities. The case is now pending further examination and analysis.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are necessary to address the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their current severity, as well as to determine the nature and etiology of his headaches and bilateral hearing loss. The issues have been remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, cervical spine disability, and back disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and the submission of missing VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected dizziness, post-traumatic headaches, left S1 radiculopathy, and cervical strain are remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations. The outcome of these claims will impact the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) due to the need of aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the rating for GERD with hiatal hernia was dismissed due to his withdrawal. The appeals for PTSD, low back disability, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder, thoracic spine disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities due to inadequate VA examinations. The case is returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, as well as his right foot Morton's neuroma and hallux rigidus, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection of a left shoulder disability and a cervical spine disability due to new examinations being warranted given the Veteran's ongoing symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and left shoulder disabilities due to unclear records of inpatient care, lack of a VA examination, and outstanding private medical treatment records. The Veteran is also asked to provide releases for relevant records from Dr. T.W.

The Board granted an effective date of September 12, 2008 for the award of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) at the 'L' rate based on loss of use of one hand and one foot. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance.