Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for cervical strain has been denied. The current rating of 10 percent is maintained as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Veteran's cervical strain is related to a service vehicle accident, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's motion to vacate their March 1, 2019 decision and denied a higher disability rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities have been granted. The VA is directed to schedule the Veteran for examinations to address the nature and etiology of each disability, with consideration of his recent assertions and treatment reports pertaining to pre-service injury.

The Veteran's bladder condition is not diagnosed, and his hip, shoulder, and neck disabilities have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is rated as 50 percent disabling. The claims for higher ratings for the thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to a single service-connected disability, finding that her combined impact of multiple service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for neck and low back disabilities were denied due to lack of a medical link to service. The claim for bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome was remanded as the VA examiner did not clearly address whether it is related to the service-connected elbow contusion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and potential conflicts in medical opinions. The Veteran will need a supplemental VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection of a left shoulder disability, right knee disability, and neck disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The TDIU claim is also remanded as there is uncertainty about the Veteran's current employment status.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various spine and shoulder disorders due to incomplete or conclusory opinions in the previous VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left shoulder disability. However, the claim remains denied as there is insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the current condition and his period of service.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) prior to January 30, 2015. The issues of service connection for a cervical spine disorder, arthritis of the left hand, and diabetes mellitus are currently in remand status at the AOJ.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service-connected orthopedic disabilities rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantial gainful employment for the period from June 10, 2015 through March 21, 2018. As his combined evaluation during this period was at least 90 percent, which is sufficient to meet the criteria for a TDIU, the claim is granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent disabling. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical evidence and conduct a new VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected DDD.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for IVDS of the cervical spine is denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation under the general formula for diseases and injuries of the spine.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disability and tremors, including Parkinson's disease, as secondary to his service-connected TBI. The claims will be reviewed again with a focus on obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for shoulder disability, neck disability, back disability, cardiovascular disability, and diabetes mellitus. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and higher ratings due to incomplete records, including missing STRs and audiometric test results. The Veteran is also required to provide additional private treatment records.