Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's initial rating for cervical spine disability remains at 30 percent, and a temporary total rating based on surgery and convalescence is granted. Separate ratings for upper extremity radiculopathy are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical spine disorder, GERD, headaches (including migraines), hypertension, TBI residuals, seizures, lumbar spine disorder, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, right and left shoulder disorders, right and left wrist disorders, elbow bursitis, bilateral hand disorder, knee disorders, eye disorder, sinus disorder with nose bleeds, and face trauma have all been denied.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has not met the criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's initial ratings for chronic sinusitis/rhinitis, left shoulder impingement syndrome, cervical spine degenerative disk disease, and left upper extremity radiculopathy were granted. The rating for anterior neck scar was also granted but with no assigned percentage or effective date.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder condition and cervical spine disability are granted. The TDIU claim is remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating for the bilateral shoulder condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back pain and knee conditions, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the evidence shows he is entitled to an award of a TDIU rating based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examinations and failure to consider the Veteran's lay statements. The issues of service connection for various disabilities are being reviewed again.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral or cervical strain, benign skin neoplasms, and low back disability. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these claims.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability due to inadequate reasoning in the previous decision and the need for an adequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's lumbosacral and cervical spine disabilities are rated at 40% and 30%, respectively, with no higher ratings granted.,Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity associated with thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 10%. Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is also rated at 10%, but only from December 4, 2008 to January 16, 2018. Radiculopathy of the left upper and right upper extremities are both rated at 10%.,GERD with stomach ulcers is rated at 30%. Recurrent sinusitis is rated at 10%, and neuroma of the tip of the left thumb, post partial evulsion with repair, remains rated at 10%.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding no medical nexus between his current conditions and service. The Veteran's claim for residuals of a traumatic brain injury is remanded due to insufficient evidence in the examination reports.

The Board denied a higher disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability, finding that the evidence did not show limited forward flexion to no greater than 15 degrees or ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU. The missing records, including VA treatment records prior to January 2012 and from August 2018 to present, as well as any further education, training, and employment information since November 2011, need to be obtained. Additionally, the Veteran needs to undergo new VA examinations for his service-connected psychiatric disorder, TMJ dysfunction, gastroesophageal disability, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his service connection claim for a cervical spine disability was granted. Service connection for residuals of back injury and stroke were denied, as well as the dental condition (loss of teeth). The case is remanded for further review on the cervical spine issue.

The Board denied the Veteran's service connection claim for a right knee disability, and also remanded his increased rating claims for cervical strain and lumbosacral strain.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndromes as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right foot disability. The cervical disorder and major depression with anxious mood are also granted on a secondary basis.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's earlier effective date claims for lumbar spine and lower extremity disabilities, as well as her service connection claims for a right shoulder disability (secondary to left shoulder) and a left eye disability. The issues of service connection for residuals of a head injury (to include headaches) and a neck disability were decided in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, migraine headaches, sleep apnea, tinnitus, cervical spine injury, lumbar spine condition, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, heart condition, prostate condition, left foot condition, right foot condition, and seizure disorder. The Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus is granted.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the evidence does not support a causal relationship between the Veteran's cervical spine condition and his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions has been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims related to PTSD, cervical strain, sleep apnea, degenerative joint disease of the right ankle, and tension headaches. The VA will obtain relevant medical records and schedule the Veteran for examinations to assess his current disability levels.