Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical spine disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference hearing. The claims related to cervical spine, flat feet, bilateral knee disorder, stomach pain, right leg length discrepancy, bowel disorder, and Eustachian tube dysfunction are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity have been granted initial ratings, with a December 10, 2007 effective date for the cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various conditions, including his lumbar and cervical spine conditions, knee disorders, foot disorder, migraines, PTSD, psychiatric disorders, shoulder disorders, gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems, chest tightness, and chronic fatigue. The appeals were not granted as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable rating schedules.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claims for service connection for dysplasia with cervical cancer and PTSD, but denied both claims on their merits.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, finding that it is proximately due to or caused by the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability. The issue of whether service connection is warranted for a cervical spine disability claimed as secondary to service-connected disability to include the left knee disability remains pending and will be addressed in the remand portion.

The Board finds that there is no medical evidence indicating that the Veteran's right or left knee disabilities are proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by a service-connected disability. Therefore, the claims for service connection for these conditions have been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability did not manifest during or as a result of active service and was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbosacral spine disability or TBI.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any current neck disability, skin disability, residuals of head trauma, and acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and having a VA examiner reconsider his opinions in light of new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claims will be readjudicated after this.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been granted, with the exception of his claim for a TDIU rating. The Veteran is now receiving the maximum schedular evaluations for all service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for cervical spine disability, gastritis with duodenitis, gout, and sleep apnea due to additional development being required.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Appellant's request for withdrawal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's gout, depressive disorder with alcohol abuse in early remission, cognitive disorder NOS, and opioid dependence, DDD and spondylosis of the cervical spine, DDD, spondylosis, and spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine, with DJD of the thoracic spine, and right knee DJD have been rated based on their respective service-connected conditions. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations. The TDIU claim is also deferred until these issues are resolved.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current neuropathy of the left upper extremity, left shoulder condition, and cervical spine degenerative disc disease are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to ensure that all relevant evidence is considered, including obtaining SSA records and VA/VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination reports and the need for further medical opinions on various issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The residuals of a fracture of L1 and cervical strain remain rated at the maximum available levels.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine condition is not related to his service-connected jaw surgery and denied the claim for service connection.