Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2024

The Board has dismissed the appeals for earlier effective dates as the benefits sought have been granted in full.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was evaluated at a 10 percent rating since October 19, 2022. The VA examiner found that the Veteran had limited range of motion but no significant functional loss or abnormal spinal contour due to his condition.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for erectile dysfunction, cervical spine condition, and right shoulder condition due to duty-to-assist errors in prior medical opinions. The Veteran's conditions are related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability evaluations of cervical radiculopathy, right and left upper extremities, were dismissed as the Veteran withdrew from the appeal through an authorized representative.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for lumbosacral and upper thoracic strain with degenerative disc disease and lower cervical strain due to lack of consideration of certain evidence, and requests further development including medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not support a higher disability rating for his bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, right lower sciatic nerve (sciatica), and cervical spine torticollis with degenerative disc disease and arthritis.

The appeal of the claim for a compensable disability rating for tension headaches is dismissed. The claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected cervical spine disability remains pending.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and migraines are granted as service connected. The right shoulder tendinosis is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for fungal condition, cervical spine condition, and migraine headaches are being remanded due to the need to verify his periods of active duty in the Army National Guard.

The Veteran's claim for cervical spinal fusion, neck scars, and loss of taste was granted with an effective date of November 11, 2016. The initial rating for the cervical spinal fusion (with neck resection surgery) status post squamous cell carcinoma, base of tongue remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of TBI and headaches have been granted. The claim for neck disability is being remanded due to procedural errors.,Service connection has been established for the Veteran's residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and headaches, but his neck disability remains under review.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, radiculopathy affecting both lower extremities, bilateral plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, pseudo folliculitis, ankle disorders, shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, jock itch, adjustment disorder with anxiety, acid reflux, athlete's foot and toenail fungus, and epiphora. The Board found no current diagnoses for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, but the remaining issues of service connection for a neck disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, GERD, and allergic rhinitis are remanded.,Additional medical records from Kaiser Permanente must be obtained. The Veteran's neck condition and associated symptoms need to be evaluated by VA, as the current opinion is inadequate.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was incurred in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective from January 1, 2012, as his service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and degenerative arthritis and stenosis of the cervical spine, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in rating or service connection for any of the claimed conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for anxiety due to lack of a current psychiatric disability. The claims for neck and low back disabilities are remanded for further examination.