Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2025

The Board remanded all issues related to service connection for various conditions due to inadequate examinations and missing records.

The veteran's appeal for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) based on service-connected disabilities was granted. The Board found that the veteran's service-connected conditions render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for several conditions, including cervical spine degenerative disc disease and left ulnar and median neuropathy.

The veteran's requests for higher ratings for several conditions were denied, but the veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied higher ratings for the veteran's service-connected sleep apnea, neck disability, and low back disability. The Board also dismissed claims related to educational assistance and radiculopathy.

The Board remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine condition, jaw condition, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as well as for an increased rating for headaches. The Board found pre-decisional errors in assisting the Veteran with his claims.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for several conditions were denied, but some issues related to service connection and ratings were remanded for further review.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of cardiovascular, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disabilities due to inadequate development of evidence.

The veteran's claims for higher disability ratings were denied, but the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance was granted. The claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and cervical spine disability. The Board found that these conditions were not shown to be chronic in service, did not manifest within the applicable presumptive period, and were not etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted. All other conditions are denied or remanded.

The veteran's effective date for service connection of cervical spine disability was granted as May 31, 2019.

The veteran's claim for service connection of cervical spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) was granted. The Board found that the condition is due to a motor vehicle accident during service.

The Board denied service connection for bronchitis, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and hearing loss. Other claims were remanded for further evaluation.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical disability was granted. The claims for left hand numbness, right hand numbness, and left foot arthritis were remanded for further development.

The Board remanded all claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error and the need for additional development.

The veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for PTSD with TBI was withdrawn. The appeals for earlier effective dates for cervical and lumbar spine conditions were denied, but the Board remanded the revision of the March 2010 rating decision based on CUE.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability and cervical spine disability were dismissed. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for Type II diabetes mellitus was denied, as well as the claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection for hypertension was granted under the PACT Act.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's cervical spine condition because there is no current disability shown.

The veteran is granted a 20% disability rating for their left ankle condition effective May 3, 2016. Other issues related to carpel tunnel syndrome and cervical spine condition are remanded for further review.