Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for peripheral vestibular disorder, cervical spine condition, low back disability, and right elbow disability as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's current conditions were not related to his active duty service or a service-connected disability.

Service connection is restored for depressive disorder, and the Veteran's claims for residuals of uvulectomy, obstructive sleep apnea, cervical spine disability, and degenerative disc disease of the lower back are all granted.

The Veteran's evaluation for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine was reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent effective May 18, 2017. The reduction is granted as there has been actual improvement in his condition.

The Veteran's former wife, the appellant, is not a proper claimant for compensation for disabilities caused by exposure to herbicide agents. The criteria for such benefits have not been met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including TBI residuals, PTSD, hearing loss, ocular migraine headaches, cervical spine disability, skin cancer, and others, were denied as the evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and her military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for neck disability and headaches due to incomplete development. The Veteran's VA treatment records need to be obtained, as well as medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, neck disability and headache disability is remanded due to new evidence submitted since the April 2010 rating decision.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC claims were denied as his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating or SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine condition has been remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his current disability. The Veteran is also granted a 30 percent rating for GERD/hernia hiatal.,A VA examination will be scheduled to determine if the Veteran's current cervical spine condition is related to service, including any chronic neck pain reported in service.

The Veteran's low back disorder is rated at 40 percent from July 1, 2011 to August 15, 2018.,Prior to September 17, 2013, the Veteran’s cervical spine disorder was rated at 10 percent. From September 17, 2013, it is rated at 20 percent.,The Veteran's left knee sprain and right knee strain are each rated at 10 percent from July 1, 2011 to August 15, 2018.,Prior to April 5, 2017, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for colorectal adenocarcinoma and gout, finding that the evidence does not support a link to active duty service. The right testicular varicocele, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, left knee disability (tendinosis), and right knee disability (tendinosis and chondromalacia) claims are remanded for further development.,The appellant's current diagnoses include colorectal adenocarcinoma, gout, a right testicular varicocele, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, left knee tendinosis, and right knee tendinosis and chondromalacia. The Board has found that these conditions are not related to active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine disability and right upper extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's injuries were related to his service-connected PTSD and the medical emergency was deemed hazardous, warranting payment for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at St. John’s Medical Center in Longview, Washington from February 20, 1999 to February 23, 1999.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disorder, cervical dysplasia, and residuals of a hysterectomy have been reopened. However, the Board found that there is no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's claims for right upper extremity thrombosis, PFB, bilateral hearing loss, sinus condition (including sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and sore throat), cervical spine disability with associated left upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine disability with associated right lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral arm and hand disability, and residuals of an oral surgery are all denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative changes and headaches are not related to his military service, but the claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck pain and cervical strain, finding no evidence of an in-service incurrence or a nexus to her service-connected thoracolumbar strain.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, tension headaches, cervical spine IVDS with DDD, LUE radiculopathy, RUE radiculopathy, and sleep disorder has been granted. The effective date of service connection is set at June 19, 2013. A rating of 50 percent for tension headaches is also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and consideration, including obtaining medical records, conducting examinations, and addressing service connection issues.

The Veteran's application to reopen a claim for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy was granted. The rating for chronic bronchitis remains at noncompensable (0%). Service connection for a sleep disorder other than apnea is remanded.,Effective dates prior to October 15, 2015 were denied for cervical strain, right knee arthritis with meniscal tear and patella chondromalacia, and tinnitus service connection claims.