Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance of another person, nor does he have a single service-connected disability rated at 100 percent with additional service-connected disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent. The Board finds that the Veteran is able to perform most of his activities of daily living independently.

The Veteran's tension headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,New evidence has been submitted that may support service connection for a neck condition. The claim is remanded to allow for further review.

The Veteran's claim for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing and an earlier effective date for SMC at the housebound rate has been denied. The Veteran does not meet the specific legal criteria required to establish eligibility for these benefits.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, left lower extremity nerve disability, cervical spine disability, and right hip disability are being remanded due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors and the need to consider potential toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's COPD, emphysema, neck disability (claimed as neck spinal arthritis), thoracic compression fractures, liver condition (claimed as cirrhosis), skin cancer, shortness of breath, pulmonary embolisms, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, hypertension, and glaucoma are remanded for further evaluation due to exposure to herbicide agents at Fort McLellan.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability and LUE neurological disability are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a direct connection to his active duty service.,The VA examiners have consistently found that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for various conditions, including PTSD, neck disability, low back disability, wrist sprains, and left foot dermatitis with dermatophytosis, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings in any of these cases.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in duty to assist, including failing to reschedule examinations and not considering certain medical evidence. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's application for PCAFC benefits was denied due to not meeting the criteria of needing personal care services based on activities of daily living. The Board found that the decision summary and reasoning were inadequate, and thus remanded the case for further review.

The Board has remanded the claims for left and right shoulder pain, a left ankle condition, cervical spine pain, respiratory issues, bilateral hearing loss, and residuals of a head injury due to incomplete medical records and inadequate VA examinations.,Incomplete service treatment records are noted, which may affect the determination of service connection.

The Veteran's service connection for tinnitus and cervical spine disability is granted, while the appeal for severance of service connection for headaches is restored. The rating for lumbar spine disability remains at 40 percent, with a separate 10 percent rating granted for left lower extremity neurological impairment.

The Board has denied service connection for degenerative joint disease/arthritis cervical spine (neck) due to a lack of evidence showing the Veteran had this condition during or within one year after his military service.,The Board has remanded the claims for appendicitis, bilateral shoulder pain, and hemorrhoids as there is insufficient medical evidence to determine if these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left knee degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine stenosis and DDD, left lower extremity radiculopathy, left shoulder bicipital tendonitis, cervical spine DDD, stenosis and facet arthropathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy have all been granted. The claims are based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left knee degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine stenosis and DDD, left lower extremity radiculopathy, left shoulder bicipital tendonitis, cervical spine DDD, stenosis and facet arthropathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy have all been granted. The claims are based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left knee degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine stenosis and DDD, left lower extremity radiculopathy, left shoulder bicipital tendonitis, cervical spine DDD, stenosis and facet arthropathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy have all been granted. The claims are based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left knee degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine stenosis and DDD, left lower extremity radiculopathy, left shoulder bicipital tendonitis, cervical spine DDD, stenosis and facet arthropathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy have all been granted. The claims are based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left knee degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine stenosis and DDD, left lower extremity radiculopathy, left shoulder bicipital tendonitis, cervical spine DDD, stenosis and facet arthropathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy have all been granted. The claims are based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left knee degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine stenosis and DDD, left lower extremity radiculopathy, left shoulder bicipital tendonitis, cervical spine DDD, stenosis and facet arthropathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy have all been granted. The claims are based on direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder, back, and neck conditions due to a lack of STRs and an inadequate medical opinion.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection of septal infarct due to her withdrawal request during a hearing. The remaining issues regarding cervical spine condition, lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded.