Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

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

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities due to incomplete records, need for further medical opinions, and potential need for a new VA examination. The Veteran's claim is not currently before the Board.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted in January 2017, with the effective date set at April 11, 2014. The appeals for earlier effective dates prior to this date are denied.,All five conditions (major depressive disorder, bilateral pes planus, lumbosacral strain, cervical strain, and right ankle sprain) were granted service connection in the January 2017 rating decision.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 7, 2016, for the grant of service connection for right upper extremity radiculopathy secondary to a cervical spine disability was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence earlier than June 7, 2016, and subsequent to the last final and binding denial that reasonably can be construed as an informal claim, formal claim, or intent to file a claim for an increased rating for the cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's back and neck disabilities were granted service connection with an effective date of December 31, 1983.,An earlier effective date for the PTSD rating is denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal for a higher disability rating for degenerative arthritis, cervical spine (claimed as neck injury with degenerative joint and disc disease) because the Veteran's representative requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss or loss of use of a hand or foot, permanent vision impairment of both eyes, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ankylosis of a knee or hip. Therefore, the Veteran is not eligible for financial assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease is related to his active duty service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including shoulder, wrist, and knee conditions. The effective dates for granting service connection are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's disabilities, including cervical stenosis with herniated discs, right upper extremity paralysis, left upper extremity weakness, loss of bowel function, loss of bladder function, left leg above-the-knee amputation, and loss of use of right lower extremity, were caused by carelessness or negligence on the part of VA. As a result, the Veteran is entitled to compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to his participation in airborne training during service. The VA needs to provide a medical opinion on this issue.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a neck condition, and a back condition due to insufficient medical evidence to resolve these claims. The Veteran must be afforded examinations on remand to assess the nature and etiology of any current disabilities.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted at a 10 percent rating from November 16, 2016. The claims for increased ratings of back strain and cervical strain are remanded.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain was granted an initial 20 percent rating prior to October 22, 2019. From that date onwards, a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed right lower extremity, left upper extremity, and right upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities. The claims are otherwise granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and the need for additional evidence. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are considered, but his lay statements regarding needing aid and attendance are also taken into account.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to April 3, 2017 are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, left ear tympanic membrane scar, lumbar spine disorder, and cervical spine disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for left lower extremity and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as cervical spine and upper extremity disabilities have been dismissed as moot due to prior decisions granting these claims.