Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's cervical arthritis is granted as service connected due to neck pain that began during active duty.,Service connection for emphysema with COPD is granted based on conceded garrison exposures, including jet fuel.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 100%, but the appeal for TDIU and SMC Housebound was denied due to lack of a single service-connected disability rated as 100% or additional disabilities independently ratable at 60%.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss, or establishing service connection for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), deviated septum, carpal tunnel syndrome of the upper extremities, acquired psychiatric disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, sleep apnea, and peripheral vascular disease.

The Veteran's neck/cervical strain, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and scars related to bilateral plantar fasciitis release surgery have been granted initial ratings of 20%, 30%, and 10% respectively.

The Veteran's radicular pain, hypoesthesia, and paresthesia of the right upper extremity is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine condition. His rating for bony bridging posteriorly involving the C4, C5, and C6 with degenerative arthritis of the spine is also granted at 30 percent effective February 28, 2023.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical strain was reduced to a 10% evaluation in March 2020. The Board found that the evidence did not show improvement warranting a reduction, and restored the 20% evaluation effective June 1, 2020.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and left upper extremity neuropathy due to inadequate VA examination opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's neck disability is granted a 30 percent rating since May 25, 2022. His hearing loss and epididymo-orchitis have not been granted increased ratings.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip disorder and cervical spine disability due to a lack of adequate medical opinions addressing whether her current disabilities are caused or aggravated by her service-connected conditions. The VA needs to schedule an examination to obtain these opinions.

The Veteran's right upper extremity radicular symptoms, including cervical radiculopathy and right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, were rated at 40 percent. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence did not show complete paralysis.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is granted as service-connected, with the benefit of doubt favoring the claim.,The Veteran's right hand disorder (Dupuytren's contracture) is also granted as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine disability on a presumptive basis, finding that his neck pain symptoms since service are related to his in-service head injury.

The claim for service connection for a neck disability is dismissed. The increased rating for allergic rhinitis, evaluated as noncompensable prior to September 13, 2020, and as 10 percent thereafter, remains on appeal. The TDIU claim prior to January 13, 2020, is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for osteoarthritis, respiratory disorders (asthma and obstructive sleep apnea), eye disorder, and skin disorder due to insufficient opinions regarding their etiology. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar sprain with ankylosing spondylitis, cervical spine strain, and tension headaches have rendered her unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful occupation consistent with her education and work history prior to August 30, 2022.

The Board granted SMC based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and headaches. The decision also addressed whether her TDIU could be based on a single disability or multiple ones.

The Veteran's DDD of the cervical spine with cervicalgia was granted a 30 percent rating effective April 17, 2023.

The Veteran's initial rating for IVDS with DDD/DJD of the cervical spine was granted at 20 percent from November 1, 2010 to May 14, 2015. From May 15, 2015 to present, a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding medical records and scheduling of a VA examination. The issues include initial ratings for various spinal conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical, lumbar, and thoracic spine disabilities due to a lack of VA examination. The Veteran is advised to provide any missing records and undergo VA examinations.