Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has severed service connection for TBI, migraine headaches, and partial loss of taste due to CUE. Service connection for cervical herniated disc remains intact.

The appeal for service connection for right median sensorimotor neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, left and right shin splints, cataracts, deviated septum, depression, a right elbow disorder, and a heart disorder has been dismissed.,The claim for service connection for hypertension (secondary to PTSD) has been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeal is granted in part.,The claim for service connection for sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD) has been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeal is granted in part.,The claims for service connection for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis have been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeals are granted in part.

The Board has granted service connection for a left hip disability, but denied service connection for thoracolumbar spine, cervical spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The decision also remanded the issue of service connection for a right hip disability.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability was not rated higher than 10 percent prior to May 1, 2018 and from May 1, 2018. The cervical spine disability was not rated higher than 20 percent prior to May 1, 2018 and from May 1, 2018.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is now rated at 20 percent from May 1, 2018. The cervical spine disability remains rated at 20 percent from May 1, 2018.

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, and right great toe disability. The cases are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence after the issuance of the Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and neck disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The claims will be reviewed again with additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's right hand index finger disability is granted a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is granted a 20 percent rating from December 1, 2015 to April 25, 2017 and denied any higher rating thereafter. The Veteran's tension headaches are granted the highest available schedular rating of 30 percent. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is denied any higher rating. The Veteran's service-connected digestive conditions are denied any higher rating. The Veteran's left ankle disability is denied any higher rating.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for cervical strain and a rating in excess of 10 percent for post-concussion syndrome due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury is denied as there is no current disability.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as persistent depressive disorder, is also denied. The Board finds that the Veteran did not have such condition during his period of active service and it is less likely than not related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various spinal and joint conditions due to new evidence being added to his case file.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate development of private treatment records. The Veteran's representative requested updated records, but no follow-up was conducted by the VA.

The Board has remanded several claims related to the Veteran's service connection, including for cervical spine injury residuals, lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity varicose veins, bronchitis, left knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, and a right knee disability. The issues also include reopening of these claims based on new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and conducting further examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, left foot, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The conditions are related to in-service injuries and symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating increase for his back condition, service connection for a cervical spine condition as secondary to his back condition, and TDIU due to service-connected conditions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain pertinent medical records and schedule the Veteran for examinations to determine the nature and severity of his back condition and the etiology of his cervical spine condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating of 70 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for the same condition is denied. New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a cervical strain (now also claimed as a neck disability). Service connection for PTSD, tinea versicolor, and sinusitis is denied. Service connection for other conditions related to Gulf War exposures and other hazardous exposure is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, cervical neck disorder, and left ear hearing loss due to incomplete factual records and need for additional opinions.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's reports of injury and treatment.,Service connection is denied for a back disability (lumbar spine disability) as there is no evidence of chronic disease during service or within the applicable presumptive period, and continuity of symptomatology is not established.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and tinnitus has been granted. The remaining issues are remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was restored to a 20 percent rating from the date of reduction.,A 20 percent rating for his cervical spine disability remains in effect.