Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The reduction of the disability rating for cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome from 30 percent to 20 percent was not proper, and restoration of the 30 percent rating is granted.,The reduction of the disability rating for carpal tunnel syndrome (right hand) from 30 percent to 10 percent was also not proper, and restoration of the 30 percent rating is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records and examinations since the last decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lower back, neck, and upper back disabilities due to incomplete examination opinions and outstanding records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of her cervical spine, upper extremity neuropathy, urinary disorder, and left hip disabilities. The VA will conduct new examinations and obtain medical opinions on these issues.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to incomplete records and inadequate examination reports. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical evidence, including treatment records from VA facilities and SSA records. He also needs to undergo further examinations for his neck, low back, and right shoulder disabilities, as well as a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine condition, lumbar spine condition, and bladder hernia have been denied.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound has been dismissed. The Veteran's appeal regarding special monthly pension was also dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings, finding that June 18, 2015 was the appropriate date based on receipt of his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine, shoulder, knee conditions are not related to his military service and remands these issues for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability is granted, as new evidence supports reopening the claim. Service connection is also granted for back pain due to exposure in Southwest Asia. The rating and effective date are not specified.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for left lower extremity radiculopathy and his secondary service connection claim for cervical spine condition to include as secondary to the service-connected degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine were both denied.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent, but no higher. The cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are remanded for additional examinations to determine their severity.

The Veteran's service-connected burn scars, cervical spine injury, and left upper extremity radiculopathy prevent him from obtaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that the criteria for TDIU have been met.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, but denied service connection for right and left knee disabilities and Gulf War illness. The cervical spine disability is linked to an in-service injury, while the right and left knee disabilities are not considered incurred due to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The heart condition and cervical cancer claims are remanded due to outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's tinnitus is not service-connected as it did not begin during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran’s bilateral pes planus does not warrant a compensable rating as her symptoms are relieved by orthotic inserts.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities due to incomplete medical records and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's initial ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the cervical and lumbar spine have been granted from December 27, 2015. The effective dates are based on the day after separation from service.

The Veteran's lung disability is denied as there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service or otherwise shown to be associated with his active service, including asbestos exposure.,The Veteran's residuals of TBI are denied as the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that he has current residuals from an in-service motorcycle accident.,The Veteran's back disability is denied as there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service or otherwise shown to be related to his active service.,The Veteran's right upper extremity, neck, and bilateral lower extremities disabilities are denied as the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that they began during active service or were otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the spine is now rated at 40 percent, effective February 5, 2016. This rating reflects significant limitation in forward flexion.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating of 20 percent for dry eye with allergic component OU (bilateral) is granted. Service connection for tinnitus is also granted, but the claims for lumbar spine condition, cervical spine condition, and right hand condition are remanded.