Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's maxillary sinusitis claim is remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous examination.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability claims are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions provided by the VA examiner.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its relationship to service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim is remanded due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding its relationship to service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's right hand disability and left hand disability claims are remanded for a VA examination addressing the nature of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, PTSD, cervical strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, right shoulder strain, and IBS prior to November 10, 2021 are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

Service connection for lumbosacral strain and cervical strain has been granted.,Service connection for bilateral hip iliopsoas tendonitis, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, and left elbow condition have been granted. Service connection for right shoulder condition is pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating issues related to various conditions, including right knee condition, right hand condition, left hand condition, sleep apnea, cervical spine condition, and left upper extremity radiculopathy. The case is returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has ordered remand for further development and examination in order to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability. The issues are being remanded due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development to obtain service treatment records and VA clinical documentation, as well as a VA examination for his left fifth finger fracture residuals.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective from April 24, 2009 to February 11, 2013, finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment during this period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as his claim of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The remand is due to inadequate medical opinions provided in previous VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine disability, sleep apnea, and hypertension due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's service connection claims are being reviewed again.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with the January 2023 remand directives and thus, another remand is warranted for further development.

Service connection is granted for right shoulder osteoarthritis, left shoulder osteoarthritis, cervical spine DJD, and cervical radiculopathy of the upper extremities.,A separate claim for service connection for right elbow tendonitis is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to determine if the Veteran's cervical spine, right shoulder, and left shoulder disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence after the SOC was issued. The claims for increased ratings will be reconsidered and a new SSOC will be provided.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including cervical spine issues, back problems, dizziness, hemorrhoids, and urethra stricture. The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly assess the severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased ratings due to outstanding VA treatment records, including those from the Peru Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), which were not properly transferred. The Veteran's right shoulder disability is being examined further to determine its relationship to service or his left shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and a cervical spine disorder due to insufficient opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board finds the Veteran has a diagnosed cervical spine condition, back condition, and bilateral knee conditions that are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The Veteran's headaches are also found to be at least as likely as not related to his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has determined that effective dates earlier than March 5, 2012 for tinnitus and cervical spine degenerative joint disease are not warranted.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied.,An initial rating in excess of 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.