Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for cervical strain with degenerative arthritis, left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, and migraine headaches as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or caused by active service.

The Board denied an increased rating for tinnitus and dismissed the appeals related to the proposed reductions in ratings for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, right shoulder bicipital tendonitis and rotator cuff tendonitis, and cervical spine.

The veteran's appeal request was denied as it was not timely filed, and no good cause was shown to extend the filing period.

The Board denied service connection for epilepsy, bilateral detached retina (previously rated as blurred vision), cervical spine condition, and migraine headaches. However, it granted service connection for hypertension and earlier effective dates for lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) as she did not meet the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating and an earlier effective date for his service-connected cervical spine disability, as well as dismissed claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome in both upper extremities.

The Board denied service connection for multiple disabilities, including left knee, right knee, lower back, upper back/neck, right shoulder, and bilateral foot conditions.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to an increased disability rating and a TDIU for further development, as the RO did not issue an SSOC on the increased rating claim.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the rate specified in 38 U.S.C. � 1114(l) and (o) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted an initial rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's cervical spine disability and a 30 percent rating for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity effective February 25, 2019.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss and remanded several claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence.

The appeal was denied for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus and a compensable rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy, while other claims were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for all the claimed conditions as they are not related to active service.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and increased ratings as untimely, with no valid appeal under docket number 250102-497204.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance is granted, as he requires regular assistance with dressing, keeping himself clean and presentable, and attending to his bodily needs due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for cervical spinal stenosis to verify all periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA), obtain private medical records, and schedule a VA examination.

The Board granted an effective date of January 12, 2022, for the award of service connection for sinusitis and irritable bowel syndrome but denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss from February 17, 2022.

The appeal for service connection for acquired psychological disorders was dismissed, while service connection was granted for allergic rhinitis and pain of the left shoulder, lumbar spine, and cervical and cervicothoracic regions. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied, as well as a higher rating for chronic sinusitis.

The appeal was granted for service connection of left ear hearing loss and OSA, but denied for hepatic steatosis. Several claims were remanded.