Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for neck and back disabilities due to insufficient opinions regarding the onset of symptoms during service.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that cervical cancer was not related to her military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of lumbar and cervical spine disabilities was reopened on May 26, 2009. Effective from that date, the Veteran is granted a disability rating of 40% for his lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for thyroid cancer and cervical spine degenerative arthritis, bulging discs, status-post surgical residuals due to incomplete records and insufficient nexus opinions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that there is no evidence of chronicity in service or within the applicable presumptive period. The Board also found that the current cervical spine disorder is not related to service.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine (neck) disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not have an onset during active service and was not caused or aggravated by any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability, and respiratory disorder.

The Board has found that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not related to service and remanded for further examination. Service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and nerve damage associated with a lumbar spine disorder remains denied.

The Veteran's initial rating for cervical spine arthritis is granted at 30 percent, effective prior to April 14, 2021.,A higher rating of more than 30 percent for cervical spine arthritis from April 14, 2021, is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a disability of the cervical spine is granted. The Board finds that it is at least as likely as not related to his duties as a KC-135 refueling boom operator during his military service.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, posttraumatic headaches, sleep apnea, cervical spine degenerative disc disease with neck sprain, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy.,The effective date for service connection of these conditions ranges from April 27, 2016 to September 20, 2017.

The Board has determined that additional evidence must be considered before a final decision can be made on the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of his reported in-service injury.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that it is proximately caused or aggravated by his service-connected fibromyalgia and psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's ratings for GERD and cervical spine strain were restored to their prior levels of 30 percent, effective January 1, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and bilateral knee disorders due to inadequate nexus opinions provided by a VA examiner. The Veteran reported falling while carrying heavy gear during enemy attacks in Vietnam, which may be related to his current conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a neck disability and remanded the remaining issues of rating, TDIU, and SMC based on need for aid and attendance. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his neck disability and the current severity of his low back disability.

The Board has found that the claims for TDIU and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance are remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with prior Board directives.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions, including hernias and spinal issues in the neck, back, and shoulders. The Veteran is required to provide additional information about how these conditions were caused by physical trauma sustained during military sexual assaults.