Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, now diagnosed as bipolar disorder, was increased to a 50% rating effective May 2, 2016.,The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of May 2, 2016 for the award of a 50% rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's application to reopen her claim for service connection of a cervical spine disorder was granted. However, the claim itself remains denied as there is no evidence linking the current condition to active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to missing service treatment records and other issues. The Veteran is being asked to provide additional information about his military service, including any places of treatment during his second period of active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a balance disorder of unknown etiology was granted with an effective date of March 28, 1979. The other issues were remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder, back, and neck disabilities due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions. The AOJ is instructed to locate missing in-service accident records and obtain any relevant private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension at the aid and attendance or housebound rates was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit due to his functional limitations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar and cervical spine are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions and whether they are related to service. The issues include left rotator cuff tear with traumatic arthritis, bone spur on rotator cuff, and nerve impingement syndrome; cervical spine injury; degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine; residuals of a left hip dislocation; and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's neck and lumbosacral disabilities are related to his military service or any other condition. The VA needs to obtain additional medical opinions to clarify these issues.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical strain is being remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for updated treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is aggravated by her service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability was dismissed as the full benefit sought was granted. The benefits for residuals of cervical fusion with radiculopathy in both upper extremities were denied due to lack of proximate cause by VA. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was granted, and the initial rating for PTSD was denied.

From October 17, 2012 to January 16, 2018, the Veteran was granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities of depressive disorder, lumbosacral strain, and cervical strain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, left shoulder, bilateral foot, obstructive sleep apnea, sinusitis, and asthma disabilities due to additional evidentiary development being necessary.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and associated radiculopathy are currently rated at various levels, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and a higher rating for cervical spine disability are being remanded due to issues with the mailing of examination requests.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for left shoulder disability and service connection for cervical spine disability as secondary to the left shoulder disability are being remanded due to new evidence suggesting worsening of his conditions. He will need to undergo VA examinations, and all outstanding records must be obtained.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and need for additional development. The Veteran's mental health, hypertension, cervical spine disability, and back disability are all under review.

The Board has found that further development is necessary for the claims of service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, and left hip disabilities. The Veteran must be provided with VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions and whether they are related to service.

Your appeals have been dismissed as you requested withdrawal of your claims for service connection and an increased rating.