Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current neck disability is related to their service-connected left shoulder disability. Additional information and a VA examination are needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back pain and cervical spine disabilities due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran is also being asked to complete a VA Form 21-8940 regarding his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine has been reopened due to new and material evidence. The reduction in disability rating for allergic rhinitis from 10% to 0% was not proper, so a restoration of the 10% rating is granted.,Service connection for chronic sinusitis secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis is granted. However, an increased rating for allergic rhinitis remains pending and needs further review.,The reduction in disability rating for allergic rhinitis from 10% to 0% was not proper, so the Veteran's claim for restoration of the 10% rating is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a neck disability and a right shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these disabilities and active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have made it necessary for him to rely on the aid and attendance of another person since March 30, 2016. The Board has granted SMC based on this need.

The Veteran's chronic kidney disease is granted as secondary to medication for service-connected conditions. The neck and shoulder disabilities are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. Service connection is established for a cervical spine disorder, numbness in left arm, and numbness in left hand.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected thoracic spinal strain, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, right shoulder brachial plexopathy, and left shoulder strain have been remanded due to the need for further evaluation.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings, but has also remanded several issues due to the need for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various joint disabilities, including neck, bilateral finger, knee, foot, and elbow disabilities. The Veteran's claim is based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary to another condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various types of chronic pain syndrome were denied, and the effective date was not granted earlier than May 2, 2022.

The reduction in rating for residuals of service-connected lumbar degenerative arthritis from 40 percent to 20 percent effective May 12, 2022 is improper and void ab initio. The petition to reverse the reduction is granted.,Effective dates are granted for service connection for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity and left elbow supination.

The Veteran's gastric ulcer with erosive gastroduodenitis is granted an initial 20 percent rating.,Other service connection claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding records and duty to assist omissions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical condition but has remanded the issue of service connection for his vestibular disorder, as there are insufficient medical opinions to determine its etiology.

The Board has dismissed the claims of service connection for bronchial asthma, left shoulder pain, degenerative arthritis of the spine (cervical spine degenerative joint disease with degenerative disc disease), and major depressive disorder due to a procedural defect in filing the Notice of Disagreement.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal concerning several service connection issues, including for cervical condition, right lower extremity condition, left lower extremity condition, left ankle condition, left plantar fasciitis, lumbar spine back condition, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy and a cervical spine disorder are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. Further development is required, including obtaining an April 2022 private medical examination and VA examinations addressing the natures and etiologies of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability, cervical spine disability, and right ankle disability due to lack of evidence showing current disabilities. The claim for low back pain is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.