Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her cervical spine disability and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining retrospective findings from an appropriate clinician regarding the severity of her service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board denied service connection for cervical DDD, finding that the current condition is not etiologically related to service.,The Board also denied service connection for a painful joint disorder, as there was no separate disability found and the Veteran's symptoms were already compensated or separately appealed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for alexia, cervical disc disease, lumbar spine disorder, and sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence to support a current diagnosis or etiology related to these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, as there is insufficient evidence in the record to determine if his current condition is related to his military service. The Veteran reported that he injured his neck during active duty and has experienced continuous symptoms since then.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted service connection and rated at 20 percent. The right ankle tendonitis remains at a 20 percent rating, but the neck disability is granted an initial rating of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to an improper form being used in the initial appeal process.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to insufficient information regarding the scope of his service-connected right-hand injuries and their impact on his current condition. The issues include seeking an initial compensable rating for a status-post avulsion fracture, right 5th metacarpal, and seeking service connection for a neck disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for back and neck disabilities, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for determining medical nexus, particularly regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or aggravated his cervical spine and low back disabilities. The Board also notes that additional private treatment records from the Veteran's chiropractor at Paulding Spinal Clinic may be needed to support the claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including a cervical spine examination to determine if service connection is warranted, and a migraine/headaches examination to assess the relationship between current headaches and service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and upper extremity radiculopathy are rated at the lowest available levels, with no higher ratings granted due to lack of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has restored the Veteran's SMC benefits from March 13, 2017 due to improper severance.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination regarding the Veteran's cervical spine condition, as there is no clear evidence of its relation to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (including schizophrenia, MDD, and anxiety disorder), low back condition, and cervical condition. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings of various service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that it is less likely than not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's spine, knee, shoulder, and sense of smell disabilities due to new evidence. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for a right knee disability, reflux esophagitis, head injury, dysphagia, and a left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, along with other service-connected conditions, has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment since March 19, 2018. The Board grants a TDIU effective from that date.

The Veteran's neck disability and chronic sinusitis have been granted service connection. The gynecological disability claim is remanded due to new evidence.,Back and thyroid nodule claims are also remanded.