Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain with IVDS and cervical strain, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and active military service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was also denied as the Veteran did not meet the minimum degree of hearing loss required for VA purposes.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of March 4, 2009 for the award of service connection for right upper extremity radiculopathy has been granted. The Board also found that entitlement to a higher initial evaluation and SMC based on aid and attendance is warranted.

The Board has determined that the reduction in ratings for migraines, major depressive disorder, neck disability, lumbar strain with degenerative changes/arthritis, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome was improper. The Veteran's original ratings are restored.

The Board has decided to remand four of the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and one for service connection due to outdated examination reports. The Veteran will need new examinations for his bipolar disorder, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and foot disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and a respiratory disorder due to insufficient examination opinions. The Veteran asserts his disorders are related to in-service injuries, including a motor vehicle accident and weightlifting during service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to additional evidence added after a previous SSOC was issued.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for Meniere's syndrome, thyroid condition, and nausea is granted. Service connection is also established for TBI and neck disability.,Service connection for tinnitus was denied as the evidence does not show an exceptional disability picture.

The appeal for service connection of COPD has been withdrawn and dismissed. The appeals for service connection of upper back/neck disability and low back disability are remanded.

The Veteran's neck disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy are currently rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for multiple conditions including left and right shoulder tendonitis, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left hip arthritis with subsequent replacement, right hip tendonitis, right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and left and right ankle tendonitis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions on secondary service connection and a need for additional VA treatment records. The Veteran's neck disability may be related to service, but there is uncertainty about whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has remanded three issues: increased initial ratings for left ankle sprain and cervical strain, and the effective date of a separate compensable rating for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity. The Veteran is to be examined to assess his left ankle (including any associated instability) and cervical spine disabilities without considering the ameliorative effects of medication. An opinion on when the radicular symptoms first manifested, and at what level of intensity prior to October 7, 2019, is also required.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability is being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his migraine headaches, jaw pain and facial spasms, left shoulder, forearm, and hand pain, cervical spine disability, and diplopia (double vision).

The Veteran is entitled to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability prior to February 13, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities. On or after February 13, 2015, the combined rating of his service-connected disabilities does not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a neck condition, finding that there was no in-service injury or disease related to her current disability and insufficient evidence of continuity of symptomatology post-service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and cervical spine condition have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran had continuous symptoms since service, which is considered as continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current cervical spine disability and his in-service injury. The claim will be further evaluated with a new examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) because he did not submit a VA Form 21-8940, which is required to determine his eligibility for TDIU. The form would have provided information about his employment and educational history.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The issues of service connection for cervical spine, right lower extremity neurological, left lower extremity neurological, and gastroesophageal conditions are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. Service connection for hypertension is also remanded.