Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, right knee, left knee, and left forearm disabilities are related to his active military service.,The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are caused by the Veteran's obesity, which in turn is caused by his service-connected depressive disorder and musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and neurological impairment of the lower extremities are not rated higher than 10 percent, with no new evidence provided to reopen previous claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The TDIU claim remains in appellate status as it is intertwined with other issues.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for referral to the Director of Compensation Service due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 40% and granted a 50% rating effective from January 27, 2020.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's neck disability is related to his military service. The VA examiner provided contradictory opinions, and a new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current neck disabilities are related to his in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical disorders are not service-connected as they did not begin during her military service or within a year of discharge, and there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to her active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disability, cervical spine disability, right hip disability, left hip disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.,Secondary service connection is also granted for the cervical spine disability and right hip disability to the low back disability, as well as for the left hip disability. The acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, left upper extremity neurological disability, and right upper extremity neurological disability. A rating higher than 20 percent for a lumbar spine disability prior to October 3, 2017, was also denied.

The Board has remanded several claims related to the Veteran's service connection for various eye and joint conditions due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional VA medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of her cervical strain was dismissed because she requested withdrawal prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various knee and shoulder disorders, as well as a right foot disorder. The Veteran's medical records from his federal employment are to be obtained, and he is to undergo an examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed right foot disorder.

The reduction of the rating for cervical spine disability from 30 percent to 0 percent, effective March 1, 2020, was improper due to lack of procedural compliance. The 30 percent rating is restored.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of multiple disabilities, including left shoulder disability, bilateral eye disability, neck disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and seizure disability, due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids has been denied as no new and relevant evidence was received.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability has been denied as no new and relevant evidence was received.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder) has been granted based on the submission of new and relevant evidence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleeping disorder (diagnosed as sleep apnea) has been granted based on the submission of new and relevant evidence.

Your claims for service connection have been readjudicated. However, your cervical spine condition and bilateral knee disability are being remanded to the AOJ.,Your claims for service connection have been readjudicated. Your hallux valgus (periodic surgery) and periodontal disease claims are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of bilateral foot disability, right shoulder condition, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss for further development.,Service connection was granted for a cervical spine condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left foot plantar fasciitis, right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis and AC and glenohumeral arthritis status post labrum and rotator repair, and cervical strain due to a lack of updated VA treatment records and an inadequate C&P examination. The Veteran is required to be scheduled for appropriate examinations to assess the severity of her service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, as well as degenerative arthritis of the bilateral hands. The AOJ is required to obtain additional VA treatment records and provide an addendum opinion addressing whether these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's neck disability, back disability, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertension have been granted service connection. The effective dates for these conditions are not specified as they were awarded in the October 2018 rating decision.