Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2024

The Veteran's cervical spine, right hip, and left hip disabilities have been granted service connection as they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for reducing and increasing the rating of their cervical spine disability have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability and radiculopathies result in the need for regular aid and attendance, which has been granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on this.

The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 70 percent from October 22, 2014, to August 31, 2020.,The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 60 percent from October 22, 2014, to August 31, 2020.,The Veteran's multi-level cervical spine degenerative joint and disc disease with IVDS (neck disability) is rated at 20 percent from October 22, 2014, to August 31, 2020.

The Board found that the Veteran did not suffer from additional disability due to any perceived delay in the authorization of spine surgery in 2002, and that any disability was not proximately due to VA's carelessness or negligence.

The Board has determined that the January 2022 decision denying service connection for a cervical condition is inadequate and remands the matter for further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested the withdrawal of his entire appeal concerning service connection for cervical strain, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes mellitus type II, dizziness reported as vertigo, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted a 20 percent rating prior to May 17, 2019 and a 40 percent rating from that date. The TDIU claim was denied.

Service connection is granted for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left arm and right clavicular fracture (right shoulder strain). The issues related to bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain is granted, with a 10% evaluation.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for OSA as secondary to PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's neck disability is rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded for further action on his claims of increased ratings and earlier effective dates. His left and right upper extremity radiculopathy are also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection of his right knee, left knee, and cervical spine degenerative arthritis due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability and remanded for further examination and opinion regarding whether the disability was aggravated by the service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found no evidence of CTS, tinnitus, or neuropathy in the record, and the Veteran's knee and spine disabilities are rated at their maximum allowable levels.

The Veteran's claims for sinusitis, bilateral hearing loss, ulnar neuropathy with loss of muscle right upper extremity, GERD, headaches, cervical strain with arthritis, and loss of balance were denied effective dates earlier than January 19, 2011, December 3, 2012, and June 19, 2014 respectively.,There is no evidence of formal or informal claims before these dates for the respective issues.

The Board has determined that there were errors in the pre-decisional duty to assist and has ordered a remand for further development of the cervical spondylosis, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability claims.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's neck disabilities, but remanded the claims of left and right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy as secondary to these disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 20% for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, but no higher.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability as secondary to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine with IVDS. The claims for right and left upper extremity neuritis are remanded due to inadequate VA medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed right ankle, lumbar spine, right knee, right hip, right shoulder, right wrist, left wrist, left elbow, and cervical spine conditions based on credible lay statements and medical opinions.