Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2026

The Veteran's right foot, left foot, right shoulder, left shoulder, cervical spine, right knee, and low back disabilities are granted service connection. The Veteran's chronic bronchitis is also granted service connection.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been rated at 20% since April 2020 and is now rated at 30% throughout the appeal period. The rating is based on forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, with no ankylosis.

The Veteran's TDIU is based solely on his service-connected mixed anxiety with depression, and he has additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or higher. Therefore, SMC based on statutory housebound status is granted as of June 1, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claim for SMC based on aid and attendance due to a pre-decisional error in not considering evidence submitted by the Veteran within the applicable evidentiary window. The AOJ is required to obtain an opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the need for A&A.

The Veteran's combined 100 percent rating for her service-connected disabilities is restored, effective July 1, 2020.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow, cervical strain, left glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, and right shoulder arthralgia due to a lack of VA examination or treatment records.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease with arthritis and stenosis is granted as service connected due to continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative changes of the cervical spine and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that new evidence supports these claims. Service connection is also granted for a musculoskeletal disability of the neck/upper back.

The Veteran's application for PCAFC was denied due to a lack of personal care services. The Board has determined that the Veteran is in need of personal care services and remands the case for further consideration, including a best interest determination by a clinician.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper extremity was dismissed as the AOJ granted a separate claim of service connection in December 2025.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine condition (claimed as neck condition) was denied, while her claim for allergic rhinitis received an effective date of August 10, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected post-operative transabdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with resolving tender incision is found to be the cause of her diagnosed disabilities, including cervical spine degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, patellofemoral degenerative arthritis, right knee degenerative arthritis, patellofemoral degenerative arthritis status post arthroscopy, left shoulder degenerative arthritis, right hand degenerative arthritis, and right wrist degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal for Bell's Palsy was dismissed as his Notice of Disagreement was filed on the wrong form, making it untimely.,The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine condition and optical difficulties due to a lack of VA examination and medical opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical evidence in the file on which to make a claim. The appellant's current disabilities of right and left foot gouty arthritis, cervical spine stenosis, and obstructive sleep apnea are associated with or aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased disability ratings have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his claims by his representative.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the June 2023 Board remand directives and therefore, another remand is necessary to verify all periods of the Veteran's Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty for Training (INACDUTRA), as well as obtain addendum medical opinions addressing the nature and etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed cervical spine disability. The issues of service connection for a cervical spine condition, to include as secondary to service-connected back disability, and entitlement to TDIU prior to September 20, 2024 are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for sinus, neck, right arm radiculopathy as secondary to neck condition, IBS, low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's post traumatic cervical headaches are granted a 30 percent rating, but no higher. The Board found that the Veteran experienced characteristic prostrating attacks of migraines on average once a month over the last several months.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine, right shoulder, left shoulder, lumbar spine, and left ankle disabilities, finding that these conditions are related to his active military service.