Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a combined effects opinion on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied across multiple conditions, with the Board finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is etiologically related to service, and thus granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine. The knee issues remain pending as a new examination is needed.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast on September 10, 2012 were not for emergency treatment and VA facilities were feasibly available. Therefore, payment or reimbursement is denied.

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate follow-up on previous remand instructions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and bipolar disorder) as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including cervical spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, was first manifested in service and is therefore considered to have been incurred therein. The Board has granted the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were denied. The Board notes that the Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding entitlement to an effective date earlier than February 12, 2009, for the grant of service connection for bursitis of the right elbow and osteomyelitis, to include on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Parkinson's disease, herniated cervical disk, and herniated thoracolumbar disk are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional records from SSA, the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Schwartzman, Dr. Ford (Columbia Presbyterian Hospital), Dr. Waters, Dr. Depolo, and Dr. Rhee.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a cervical spine disorder. The matter is remanded for further adjudication.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current lower back disability and thus, service connection for this condition is denied. The VA examinations are needed to determine appropriate evaluations for PTSD, left shoulder separation with bursitis, and mild anterolisthesis of the cervical segment of the spine.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine arthritis resulted in functional impairment comparable to forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less on and after July 26, 2006. His left cervical radiculopathy was rated at 20 percent from May 10, 2012, to September 29, 2013, and at 30 percent thereafter.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding it at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and/or medications used to treat PTSD. The claim of entitlement to an increased evaluation for DJD of the thoracolumbar spine remains in remand status due to inadequate VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant SSA records and verifying herbicide exposure. A VA examination is also needed to determine if current disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (headaches and cervical spine disability) are being reviewed to determine if they warrant special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status. Additional evidence is needed, including a VA examination and any relevant medical records.