Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for neck disability, back disability, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, right wrist disability, left wrist disability, left knee disability, depression, anxiety, stomach disability, and residuals of mefloquine toxicity due to a duty-to-assist error. The effective date claim for scar of the right breast is denied as there was no intent to file a claim prior to February 15, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. Service connection is granted for PTSD, OSA, bilateral hearing loss, neck disability, right shoulder disability, right middle finger disability, right ankle disability, and left leg disability.,The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability with IVDS is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are all currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral upper extremity cubital tunnel syndrome. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and bilateral upper extremity cubital tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of relevant medical records and SSA records, which were not obtained before making the decision.

The Veteran's cervical strain disability is found to have had its onset within one year of his separation from service, meeting the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's increased ratings for cervical spine disability, left and right upper extremity radiculopathy, as well as the effective dates for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including headache disorder, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction (ED), neck disability, bilateral upper extremity nerve condition, back disability, and bilateral lower extremity nerve condition. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected GERD. The claim for an increased rating for cervical spine disability remains pending and requires further development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 50 percent for migraines has been granted. The Board also remanded the claims for service connection and increased rating due to inadequate examination findings.

The Board denied attorney fees for past-due benefits awarded in the June 2024 rating decision, as it was not a result of a valid appeal and did not involve service connection.

The Board has granted the service connection claims for cervical spine, left knee, and right hip disabilities due to new evidence received after the April 2018 rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment after his last date of employment on March 30, 2018. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from March 31, 2018.

The Board has found pre-decisional duty to assist errors and remanded the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right knee disability, left knee disability, low back disability, neck disability, Barrett's esophagus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Additional development is required.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional medical examinations. The appeals are now pending before the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to errors in obtaining relevant medical records and potential TERA development. The Veteran is also asked to provide additional information regarding his hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and neuropathy/radiculopathy/neurogenic claudication of the bilateral lower extremities, have rendered him in need of regular aid and assistance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the regular need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, and bilateral knee conditions due to inadequate medical opinions provided in previous VA examinations. The Veteran is requested to provide a new examination that includes an adequate opinion and rationale.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to right and left hip strain, including thigh impairment, were remanded due to the need for further development.,An effective date of July 24, 2023, was granted for the awards of service connection for right hip strain (limitation of extension) and left hip strain (limitation of extension).