Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2025

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for tinnitus, cervical strain, and hypertension.

The Board granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine disorder and cervical pain but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board also granted ratings of 10 percent or 20 percent for several conditions from specific dates.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including a lumbar spine condition, cervical spine condition, bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric condition, as further development is needed to properly adjudicate these claims.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for cervical strain and lumbar strain to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including when the AOJ fails to make reasonable efforts to obtain VA treatment records, relevant federal or private treatment records; fails to obtain a VA examination; or provides an inadequate VA examination or opinion.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and rating issues due to untimely filings or lack of jurisdiction over deferred claims.

The Board remands the claim for a cervical spine disability to obtain an addendum opinion addressing the etiology of the Veteran's condition, as the previous VA medical opinion was found inadequate.

The Board remands the claim for a neck disability as the March 2025 VA examination is inadequate and does not address the question of aggravation or adequately review the Veteran's medical history.

The Board granted service connection for cervical degenerative arthritis, while remanding the claims for lumbosacral strain and plantar fasciitis of the left and right foot.

The Board remands the matter for a VA examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's cervical spine disability.

The Board granted an effective date of July 23, 2018, for a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's cervical strain, IBS, and headaches.

The Board granted service connection for multiple spinal conditions and a right foot disorder, effective from the date of the September 2024 rating decision.

The Board denied service connection for all the conditions listed as there was no evidence of an in-service event, nor is there evidence demonstrating a nexus to service.

The Board restored the 50% rating for headaches and the 30% rating for a cervical spine disability, as the reductions were improper. The claims for service connection for OSA, a higher rating for allergic rhinitis, and a sinus disorder are remanded.

The Board granted the restoration of a 30 percent rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy effective June 26, 2023, as the reduction was improper.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the claim for a neck disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Board granted an effective date of June 20, 2001, for the award of service connection for cervical strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board remands the claims for a neck condition, plantar fasciitis, left ankle condition, and varicose veins to ensure that VA's duty to assist is followed and that the Veteran is afforded every possible consideration.

The Board granted service connection for cervical strain, finding that the Veteran's neck disability is related to his active military service.

The Board remands the matter to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability, including whether it is related to toxic exposure during service and any private treatment records.

The Board granted service connection for major depressive disorder, finding it to be etiologically related to the Veteran's active service. The claims for service connection for a left hip disability, lower back disability, and cervical spine disability were remanded.