Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2026

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Cervical Spine Disability as the earliest possible effective date is June 6, 2016, which is later than when entitlement arose. The Veteran's claims were not filed within one year of a final denial in July 25, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The appeal for service connection of a cervical spine disorder is remanded due to the need for a VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's cervical spine and headache disorder claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain and left arm median nerve neuropathy (brachial plexopathy) as these conditions are related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Board has found that the Veteran is in need of personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months due to an inability to perform one or more activities of daily living (ADLs). The PCAFC eligibility process will continue, including consideration of whether the program is in the Veteran's best interest.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding right upper extremity, cervical radiculopathy and an increased disability rating for service-connected cervical spine strain.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, cervical strain, plantar fasciitis, and hysterectomy are all found to be related to her service. The Board granted these claims based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for cervical spondylosis with cervical strain and intervertebral disc syndrome, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and left leg varicose veins have been dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not of such severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's cervical spine and left ankle disabilities are being remanded for further examination and medical opinions to determine their etiology, as the current VA examinations were inadequate. The Veteran contends that his disabilities developed from service-related injuries.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 17, 2024 for a 30 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine degenerative arthritis and regional myofascial pain syndrome with residual shooting pain in the left hand spasm and hand closure.

The Veteran's service-connected IVDS with spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis of the cervical spine is granted a 30 percent evaluation, effective January 8, 2024. The Veteran also received a TDIU from January 8, 2023.

The appellant is granted SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1) based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, glaucoma, foot drop conditions, sleep apnea, migraines, overactive bladder, and various musculoskeletal issues. He does not qualify for higher rates due to the anatomical loss or use of extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and denied the remaining issues of service connection. The Veteran's OSA is found to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's 20 percent rating for cervical strain with IVDS is restored effective February 12, 2025. A higher rating for the right fibula fracture remains remanded.

The Veteran withdrew all his appeals regarding various conditions and disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, left shoulder strain, degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy of the upper extremities, lateral epicondylitis, osteoarthritis, and allergic rhinitis. The appeal is dismissed as a result.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral pes planus with aggravation, right and left foot disorders other than pes planus, asthma, and right shoulder and left shoulder disorders. The Veteran's claim for a traumatic brain injury has been denied.

The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings for headaches, service connection for degenerative arthritis with disc herniation (claimed as lumbar condition), and service connection for cervical condition are all remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical stenosis, lumbar spine, lymphedema, and central retinal vein occlusion with macular edema with pseudophakia of the right eye are all granted. The decision is based on direct evidence of a nexus between each condition and service.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracic kyphosis and associated conditions have required regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.