Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2025

The Board granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine but denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and granted increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and right ankle disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD, a higher rating for left shoulder disability, and an earlier effective date for the award of a 20 percent rating for left shoulder disability.

The appeals for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, lumbar spinal stenosis, and psychiatric disorders were dismissed due to untimely notice of disagreement. The proposed rating reductions for lower extremity radiculopathy were also dismissed.

The Veteran was granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance beginning January 24, 2023. The claims for an earlier effective date for TDIU and DEA were denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical spine; cervical spine radiculopathy, right upper extremity; coronary artery disease; and right ear hearing loss.

The appeal for service connection for cervical cancer on a basis other than pursuant to the PACT Act was dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction.

The appeal was granted for service connection for latent tuberculosis and dermatitis of the face, while other claims were denied.

The Board denied service connection for cervical strain and a compensable rating for scars post-removal of squamous cell carcinomas, while remanding several other claims including diabetes mellitus, type II, diabetic neuropathies, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, left knee disability, traumatic brain injury with post-concussion syndrome migraines, and left hip disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including thoracolumbar and cervical spine conditions, preclude locomotion without the aid of a walker, warranting eligibility for specially adapted housing.

The veteran withdrew the appeals for increased disability ratings and higher initial disability ratings, leading to their dismissal.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for cervical strain, major depressive disorder, right knee instability, and tinnitus due to an incomplete record of the Veteran's military service history.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, specially adapted housing, and total disability based on individual unemployability due to his bad conduct discharge.

The Board granted an effective date of August 1, 2005, but no earlier, for the grant of service connection for cervical strain.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to follow and secure substantially gainful employment, thus a total disability rating for individual unemployability is granted.

The Board granted service connection for a deviated septum and right wrist pain, while denying service connection for sleep apnea. The decision also addressed various rating issues and effective dates.

The Board denied service connection for migraines and cervical spine pain, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The appeals for service connection for right ear hearing loss and a compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss were dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals at a December 2024 Board hearing. The remaining claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board granted service connection for tinea pedis of the left foot and remanded claims for a bilateral foot disorder, cervical disorder, left shoulder disorder, lumbosacral disorder, right shoulder disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and eardrum disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.