Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The petition to reopen the claim for service connection for a right elbow disability was denied. The rating reduction from 20% to 10% for service-connected right shoulder tendonitis was improper, and the 20% rating is restored. Entitlement to a 30% disability rating for service-connected cervical spine disability is granted effective June 13, 2013.

The Board has denied increased ratings for chronic cervical strain and chronic lumbar strain on an extraschedular basis only. The case of entitlement to benefits under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a right ankle disability is REMANDED, as well as the claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's claims have been remanded due to new evidence submitted, including a lay statement from another member of the National Guard who witnessed his in-service injury. The Board finds that this evidence relates the Veteran’s current lumbar spine disability to an in-service injury and requires further examination.

The claim for direct service connection of a back disability is granted. Other claims are denied.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his in-service injury and did not manifest within one year of separation.,The Board also denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, concluding that it was more likely due to an accident in 1999 rather than a service-connected injury.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a left ankle disorder, left shoulder disorder (claimed as secondary to a left ankle disorder), and cervical spine disorder (claimed as secondary to a left ankle disorder) due to inadequate medical opinions. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the decision on the left ankle disorder claim.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, including those for his right wrist fracture, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and missing treatment records. The Veteran's right hand disability is being reviewed for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to assess his cervical spine, lumbar spine, and chest pain disabilities, as well as an examination of his left wrist disability.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for status post hairline fracture of the left medial patella and a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus have been dismissed.,The Veteran's applications to reopen his claims for service connection for right knee, right hip, left hip, and acquired psychiatric disabilities are granted. The claims for nerve condition, left wrist disability, right wrist disability, arthritis, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability remain pending.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, as well as whether they are related to service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating as they are inextricably intertwined with the issues of entitlement to an extraschedular rating for his right ankle disability.,The Veteran is being asked to undergo additional examinations to determine the severity of his cervical spine, bilateral knee, forearm, and thigh disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his cervical spine disability is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded several claims due to the need for additional VA treatment records and examinations. The Veteran's disabilities have reportedly worsened since his last examination in June 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine, thoracic spine, and cardiac disabilities are not service-connected as they were not incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claims, particularly concerning her Air National Guard and Reserve service periods.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that his pre-existing condition did not worsen during active duty and was a natural progression of his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder disability, neck disability, and traumatic brain injury are denied. The claim for service connection for bilateral hip disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability but has remanded the issue of service connection for a back disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, right eye, bilateral shoulder, and bilateral arm disorders due to incomplete records from the Veteran's Army Reserve service. The case is also remanded to determine if VA examinations are needed for these conditions.