Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was evaluated at 20 percent from January 1, 2015 to October 31, 2017. The Board denied ratings in excess of this level for the period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's increased rating claims for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities need to be remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for service connection, except for a grant of entitlement to a separate compensable evaluation for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.

The Board has remanded the cases of cervical DDD and degenerative arthritis, as well as OSA, for further development to determine their etiology.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck disability, bilateral upper extremity neurological impairment, back disability, allergic rhinitis, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and/or an eating disorder), and cervical dysplasia with HPV. The reasons include lack of continuity of symptomatology since service, no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions, and the absence of positive nexus opinions.

Your appeal has been dismissed as you have opted into the modernized review system.

The Board has restored the previously assigned disability ratings for cervical and thoracolumbar spine arthritis from 30% to 10%, finding that the reduction was improper due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for ankylosing spondylitis of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral hip condition due to in-service infections or exposure to herbicide agents. The AOJ must obtain a new medical opinion addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for cervical spine stenosis and left upper extremity radiculopathy, finding that no new and material evidence or notice of disagreement had been filed to keep the claims open.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left shoulder separation with bursitis and spondylolisthesis of the cervical spine were denied as there was no evidence showing that his range of motion was limited to less than 80 degrees or a combined range of motion less than 170 degrees, respectively.

The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is granted.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for depression is granted.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for degenerative joint disease, cervical spine is granted.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbar spine is granted.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension is denied.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (which includes PTSD and depression) is granted.

The Veteran's right wrist disorder is now granted as service connection.,The claims for lumbar strain and neck condition are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's back and neck disabilities have been granted service connection.,Service connection for the right leg disability is denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including osteoarthritis and radiculopathy, is related to an in-service fall. The Board has determined that the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher disability ratings for his shoulder, spine, elbow, knee, and tension headaches disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran is required to provide two independent medical opinions supporting his diagnoses and their relationship to active service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for residuals of an acute lumbosacral strain and residuals of an acute cervical strain, finding that new and material evidence was submitted.,However, the petition to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of acute atypical psychosis was denied as no new and material evidence was received.

The Veteran's neck disability is granted a 20 percent rating, but no higher, prior to October 10, 2022. A rating in excess of 30 percent for the period after October 10, 2022 is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for chronic sinusitis has been denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the legs is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to herbicides or service connection on other grounds.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity have been granted initial ratings. The Veteran has also been granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.