Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an extraschedular rating for his cervical spine disability was denied as the symptoms and functional impairment are adequately described by the existing schedular criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is granted. The Board finds the Veteran has current diagnoses of non-obstructive coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease, which are included under the definition of ischemic heart disease. Service connection for these conditions is granted as a result of exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. Other claims related to other disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to deficiencies in the reasons and bases of the January 2019 decision, specifically regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities. The case is now back with the Board for further review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The issue is now remanded for further development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and providing an adequate VA medical opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, right wrist disability, and cervical spine disability as there is no evidence that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability is remanded due to the need for updated medical evidence and an examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and bilateral hip disorder due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran must be provided with new VA examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, neck, bilateral shoulder, bilateral knee, and bilateral hip disabilities due to outstanding development needs.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, including status post lumbar and cervical spinal fusions, due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining an addendum opinion from the June 2019 VA examiner or another appropriate clinician.

The Board has determined that the July 2019 VA opinion is not adequate to address whether the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder or cervical spine condition caused him to become obese, and whether obesity was a substantial factor in causing his sleep apnea. The case is therefore being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has determined that new VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee impairment preexisted service and was aggravated by active duty. The cervical spine disorder and lumbar spine disorder are remanded for further development as veteran status is not established for the periods of ACDUTRA mentioned.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities due to Gulf War Illness, as they are related to medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illnesses.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that it is related to his in-service left shoulder injury. The decision resolves all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disability, cervical spine disability, and thoracolumbar spine disability have been granted. The cervical spine disability has a rating of 20 percent, while the thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disorders due to conflicting opinions in the VA examination report. The case will be returned to the AOJ with additional records and an addendum opinion from a qualified medical professional.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, neck, left knee, right knee, and right ankle disabilities may be related to service. However, due to a lack of VA examinations addressing these claims, the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional examinations and further development due to new complaints of pain and worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that additional evidence is needed to determine if a higher rating is warranted.