Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2025

The Board granted some issues, denied others, and remanded several for further development. The veteran's ratings for onychomycosis and GERD were restored to 30 percent. Effective dates for service connection for right shoulder surgical scars and lumbar spine surgical scar were granted. Several other issues were denied or dismissed.

The Board dismissed claims for asthma, kidney cancer, chest pains, and rhinitis due to lack of adjudication. Claims for cervical DDD, shoulder strains, hip conditions, and foot conditions were remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for all claimed conditions and a higher rating for the left ankle disability.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, left knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss as the evidence did not support a link to service.

The appeal for service connection of a cervical spine disorder is remanded. The Board needs more medical evidence to decide if the condition is aggravated by a service-connected low back disorder.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability. The Veteran's service treatment records are silent as to neck pain, and the Board found the medical opinions inadequate.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection for various conditions were mostly denied. However, the claims for allergic rhinitis and asthma were remanded for further consideration.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 26, 2020. The decision was based on evidence showing the veteran could perform sedentary work and was gainfully employed until October 31, 2014.

The appeals for higher ratings of thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease and cervical spine degenerative joint disease were dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted. All other claims are remanded for further review.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for thoracolumbar spine DDD was partially granted, with a 20 percent rating from October 22, 2020. Other claims, including those for cervical spine arthritis, PTSD, and reactive airway disease, were denied. Claims related to knee and foot disabilities, as well as TDIU and DEA benefits, were remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for her anterior left neck scar, stating that the evidence did not show characteristics of disfigurement or tissue loss.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, residuals of prostate cancer, and residuals of a cervical lipoma. The evidence did not show that these conditions are related to the veteran's service.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The evidence did not show a link between these conditions and the veteran's active service.

The Board remanded the case to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran will receive an additional VA examination to ascertain the severity and manifestations of his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of cervical strain with degenerative arthritis, left foot strain, and left hip strain was dismissed because the Veteran requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Board denied service connection for back, neck, and right shoulder disabilities due to lack of evidence of a current disability.

The veteran withdrew all claims on appeal, so the Board dismissed them.

The veteran's appeal for restoration of a 40 percent evaluation for lumbar spine disability was denied. The veteran's appeal for restoration of a 10 percent evaluation for left knee disability was granted.

The appeal for service connection of a cervical spine disability is remanded. The Board needs more medical opinions to determine if the condition was aggravated by military service.