Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's disability ratings for neck and right shoulder conditions were reduced, but the Board found these reductions improper due to lack of proper procedural steps.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. Service connection for CFS has not been established, and the cervical spine disability has not met criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period; continuity of symptomatology is not established; and the disability is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to a failure to properly notify him of scheduled VA examinations. The RO is instructed to provide proper notification and schedule the Veteran for necessary medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate) as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, temporomandibular joint syndrome with bruxism (TMJ), and cervical myofascial pain. The remand requires an updated VA examination to address the Veteran's scholarly material and the effects of medications on his enlarged prostate.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a neck disability claimed as cervical spinal stenosis have been remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence.,New and relevant evidence has been submitted that supports readjudication of the Veteran's claims.

The Board has granted service connection for left upper extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease and osteophytes of the cervical spine. The initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the cervical spine condition is remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine condition, chronic nose bleeds, insomnia, intestinal condition, and left shoulder condition due to new evidence submitted since the August 2019 rating decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and initial ratings for various conditions, including PTSD with major depressive disorder, cervical strain, costochondritis, right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, and left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, was denied. The decision is based on the lack of relevant official service department records being associated with the claims file at the time of the initial decision.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder), degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and right shoulder degenerative arthritis. The Veteran is currently rated at 10% for each condition.

The Board has granted service connection for migraines and cervical strain, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, neck disability, right ankle disability, vertigo, and radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities, have been denied. The Board found that there is no current diagnosis for these conditions.,A remand has been ordered to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's chest pain.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining a new VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The issues of service connection and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for extraschedular ratings for diplopia and cervical spine spondylosis and degenerative disk disease have been denied.,The Board found that the current rating schedule criteria adequately addressed the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his diplopia and cervical spine issues.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate reasons and bases in the September 2024 decision, specifically failing to address the Veteran's testimony and chiropractic treatment records. The claim is now being returned for additional development including obtaining chiropractor treatment records and providing an addendum opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, back, neck, and memory loss disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with irritable bowel syndrome, right knee disorder, and cervical spine disorder. The claim for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disorder is also granted.

The Veteran's gynecological condition, including left ovarian cyst and other specified noninflammatory disorders of vagina (cystic structure), is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for left hand and finger joint pain is denied. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis or functional impairment related to this issue.

The claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, and initial increased rating for the lumbar spine disability have been withdrawn.,The claim for service connection for bilateral athlete's foot has been denied. The Veteran is being remanded for further examination to determine if he has a current right ankle disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, neck disability, and nerve disability. The claims are based on in-service injuries and the Veteran's current diagnoses.