Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to in-service exposure to hazardous noise.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes.,There is no evidence that the Veteran has a left elbow disability that began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,There is no evidence that the Veteran has a neck disability that began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities (including PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder) are not related to his service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and cervicogenic headaches as secondary to service-connected cervical spine disability, and has also granted TDIU based on the Veteran's multiple service-connected psychiatric and physical disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and an intestinal disability due to inadequate examination opinions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain new VA examinations that consider all evidence of record, including lay statements and medical literature.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have currently diagnosed disabilities for which service connection can be granted, and thus remanded the case to obtain clarification on his neck disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted as incurred in service.,Other claims for service connection are either remanded or reopened.

The Veteran's cervical segmental dysfunction and left knee disorder are granted service connection. The Board found that the Veteran had a current disability, in-service event, and causal relationship between his disabilities and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further evaluation due to the elapse of over eight years since his last VA examination and the need for additional medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, but the issues of service connection for cervical and left hip disabilities are remanded due to lack of updated medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability (also claimed as a discogenic cervical and lumbar disease) due to insufficient rationale in the previous VA medical opinions. The Veteran is entitled to another chance to receive an adequate medical opinion with a complete rationale.

The Board has denied service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) due to the lack of a current diagnosis. The cases for Neck Disability and Low Back Disability are remanded as the VA etiology opinions did not comply with the remand directives.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine and peripheral nerve conditions, require the regular aid and attendance of another person due to their effects on his ability to perform daily functions.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including his low back condition, neck condition, and shoulder condition. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, left forearm, and left ankle disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions. The respiratory disability claim is also remanded as it may be related to Gulf War service exposure.

The Board has remanded several claims for service connection due to the Veteran's failure to provide sufficient medical records and because of inadequacies in previous examination opinions. The claims include psychiatric disorders, cervical spine disorders, hand disorders, ankle disorders, knee disorders, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was submitted and requires further review by the AOJ before a final decision can be made.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete etiology opinions and failure to substantively comply with previous directives.,Specifically, the Board found that the VA examiners' opinions were inadequate as they did not address the Veteran's contentions regarding his MOS as an aircraft mechanic and the onset of symptoms during work activities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent prior to November 22, 2017, and 30 percent thereafter. The Board has remanded the case for further development including obtaining a VA examination.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's cervical spine disability is service-connected. The case will be returned for this purpose.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and a cervical spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.,There is no evidence of chronicity during or after service, and the VA examiner opined that the current diagnoses are more likely due to post-service events.