Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of lumbosacral strain and cervical spine loss of lordosis with degenerative disc disease C5-C6 have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal in October 2023.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current low back conditions are related to his active service, including parachute jumps during service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for lumbosacral or cervical strain (low back condition or pain).

The Board has dismissed the appeals for PTSD, left leg radiculopathy, right leg radiculopathy, and degenerative changes of the cervical spine as the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Veteran's claimed bilateral shoulder, neck, left arm, left finger, and back disorders were not incurred in or caused by service. The disorders were not aggravated by, proximately due to or the result of service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical strain, left hip strain, right shoulder strain, left shoulder strain, and lumbosacral strain are being remanded for additional medical opinions to determine if they are related to his in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine disability and found that it contributed to his death. The appeal for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including hypertension, PTSD with cognitive disorder, sinusitis, knee disorders, allergic rhinitis, cerebral infarction residuals secondary to moyamoya disease, and right upper extremity disabilities. The Board has determined that additional development is needed for these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of whether the Veteran is entitled to a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities. The issue will be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee disorder, cervical spine disorder, and thoracolumbar spine disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were related to in-service injuries.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for cervical subluxation has been granted due to new evidence showing possible link between his condition and service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine.,The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected deviated nasal septum and PTSD has been granted due to new evidence showing a causal relationship.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to insufficient attempts by the AOJ to contact him and schedule examinations. The AOJ is instructed to attempt contacting the Veteran via phone or written communication, reschedule examinations if possible, and provide a rationale for any delays.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to missing VA examinations. The Veteran's cervical spine, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities are being reviewed again.

The Board denied service connection for both the cervical spine disorder and the psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to establish a service connection for either the cervical spine disability or the right foot disability, as both conditions are deemed to be unrelated to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the claims of service connection for various disabilities, including knee and shoulder conditions. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA examination to assess the etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to tend to basic functions of self-care and required the regular aid and attendance of another individual, leading to a grant of SMC based on aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to SMC at the housebound rate is moot due to the inclusion of this benefit.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete development and failure to obtain addendum opinions. The Veteran's representative provided reasons for non-compliance with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates are being dismissed due to the Veteran's attorney withdrawing their appeal.,The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on multiple cervical spine disabilities, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left shoulder strain residuals are being remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for tinnitus, a cervical spine disorder, and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity have been granted. The claims are based on new evidence submitted since previous denials.

The Veteran's claims for high cholesterol, neck disability, right shoulder disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, and high blood pressure have all been denied. The Board found that there is no current disability for each condition.,There was insufficient evidence to establish a link between the claimed disabilities and service.