Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased disability evaluation for cervical strain and for TDIU due to issues with scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings for his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has ordered remand for further development regarding his cervical spine condition, bilateral upper extremities radiculopathy conditions, right knee condition, left hand carpal tunnel condition, and right hand carpal tunnel condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical degenerative disc disease is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a left shoulder disability, neck disability, and increased rating for adjustment disorder with depressed mood are being remanded. The claim for service connection is reopened due to new evidence received since the May 2012 rating decision. For the period prior to May 20, 2020, his adjustment disorder with depressed mood is rated at 50%. From May 20, 2020, it warrants a 70% rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to procedural errors and the need for additional development, including toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to January 25, 2022.

The Veteran's cervical strain is rated at 20 percent, but a higher rating of 30 percent is granted.,TDIU from February 28, 2008, is granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's cervical strain, thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis (back disability), right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, right upper and left upper extremity radiculopathy, degenerative arthritis of the knees, and knee limitations are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable at any point during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted at a 10 percent rating effective January 11, 2020. The left ankle disability and cervical spine condition are both remanded for further examination.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of cervical spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The lung disability claim was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. Radiculopathy claims were also denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, bilateral shoulder disabilities, a right knee disability (including below the knee amputation), and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The specific nature and etiology of these conditions will need to be addressed through further examination and opinion.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU from November 10, 2018, due to service-connected depressive disorder. He also qualified for special monthly compensation based on housebound status.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting dates of service and incomplete records. The neck condition is being reviewed for its connection to military service, but more evidence is needed.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is denied as there is no credible evidence of an in-service injury or event related to his neck, and the medical opinion provided does not link his current diagnosis to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasoning and lack of examination for determining whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is secondary to his service-connected cervical spine degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy was granted a disability rating of 40 percent from December 21, 2007 to January 9, 2013 and from April 21, 2015 to February 6, 2018.,The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy was granted a disability rating of 40 percent from January 8, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including acquired psychiatric conditions and musculoskeletal issues. The appeals are pending due to incomplete development of evidence related to stressor verification and examination.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including rating higher than 20 percent for low back disability, cervical spine disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and cystic acne; service connection for thyroid disability secondary to cystic acne; and total disability rating based on individual unemployability.