Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine spondylosis and bilateral upper extremity cervical radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine spondylosis. Service connection was denied for a thoracolumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The Board finds that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder, including somatic symptoms disorder, and whether it is related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities due to a lack of STRs, and the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his hip, knee, and leg conditions. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if any current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for right shoulder, right arm, and neck disabilities. The Veteran was granted a 70 percent rating for anxiety disorder but it remains in appellate status as the maximum schedular rating has not been assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period from October 14, 2009 to June 26, 2012. The Board granted TDIU during this period.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings in all four issues related to cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, right elbow, and left knee conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions addressing all theories of entitlement. The lumbar spine condition is also remanded for an adequate VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has remanded the case to determine if an extra-schedular TDIU rating is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for persistent depressive disorder and cervicalgia were denied as there was no evidence of a claim prior to April 28, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantial gainful employment, and the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability have not been met.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected neck disability, finding that the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) requiring bedrest prescribed by a physician.

The Board has determined that the medical expenses incurred at Macon County General Hospital on July 21, 2012 were eligible for reimbursement due to the nature of the emergency and the unavailability of a VA facility.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for new examinations, as the previous VA examinations did not comply with Correia v. McDonald requirements.

The Veteran's low back condition and sleep apnea were denied service connection, but his cervical spine degenerative disc disease was granted a rating of 30 percent effective April 9, 2014.

The Veteran's cervical spine condition and right upper extremity radiculopathy are granted service connection. The left upper extremity radiculopathy, back condition, and right knee conditions are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination as they pertain to service connection for TBI, neck disability, spinal fusion (low back disorder), and headaches.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination report and a need for compliance with the Court's order granting the parties' joint motion to remand. The Veteran is required to submit lay statements from himself and others who have first-hand knowledge of his neck problems, and a VA examination must be conducted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals, status post reduction mammoplasty (including breast numbness) is granted. The Board also remanded the claims for left wrist disability, low back disability, neck disability, and migraine headaches.