Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The reduction of the rating for bronchitis from 30 percent to 10 percent was upheld, but restoration of the 30 percent rating is denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, left shoulder strain, and radiculopathy of the upper extremities were all denied ratings in excess of their current assigned ratings.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service connection claims for cervicalgia, left shoulder impingement syndrome with rotator cuff tendonitis and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, and right shoulder impingement syndrome with rotator cuff tendonitis are remanded due to a duty to assist error in obtaining his service treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for migraines, right knee instability, cervical spine disability, and traumatic brain injury have been withdrawn and are dismissed. The claim of service connection for bowel impairment (secondary to TBI) is remanded.,Your effective date for the increased rating of 100% for bipolar disorder remains May 4, 2018, as it is factually ascertainable that an increase in your disability occurred prior to this date.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his hearing request and all related issues.

The Board denied service connection for cervical and thoracolumbar spine conditions, finding no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and active service.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his current hearing levels being at Level I in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable rating. For the neck and back disabilities, the Board determined there is insufficient competent medical evidence on file to decide the claims, necessitating further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbosacral spine and cervical spine are rated based on limitation of motion. The current ratings do not meet criteria for higher ratings.,PTSD is currently evaluated at a 70 percent rating, which is the maximum available under VA regulations.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, and the cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent. The higher ratings are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, to include degenerative arthritis, is due to his active-duty service and grants entitlement to service connection.

The Board's decision is vacated due to the Veteran withdrawing her appeal under the Legacy Appeal system and opting into the AMA review system, resulting in the withdrawal of the original appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines and right hip pain, combined to render her unable to secure and maintain a substantially gainful occupation. As such, she is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, finding no evidence that it began in service or was related to an in-service event.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee, left knee, and cervical spine disabilities. The claims for left elbow disability and headaches are remanded.

The Veteran's cervical disability is rated at 30 percent, and his bilateral upper extremity radiculopathies are each rated at 20 percent. These ratings have been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and migraines (claimed as headaches) due to potential errors in decision-making process.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines and right hip pain, are found to render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for hypercholesterolemia and multiple myeloma have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,For the remaining conditions, the Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination by a neurologist. The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy, to include CIDP and carpal tunnel syndrome, is being reviewed.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's lower back and left knee disabilities, including rating determinations for various periods of time. The case is being returned for further action based on a retrospective opinion addressing the state of the Veteran's disabilities throughout the appeal period.