Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability, finding no evidence of chronic condition in service or continuity of symptoms since service. The Veteran's neck pain was first noted years after service and not related to his in-service injury.

The Board has found that the claims for service connection and increased ratings must be remanded due to insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's cervical spine disability and his service-connected orthopedic disabilities. Additional development is required, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a qualified orthopedic physician.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, effective October 6, 2020. The RO granted an earlier effective date of July 2, 2014, for the cervical spine disability.,The Veteran's left and right thumb disabilities are each rated at 10 percent, effective November 1, 2012. Separate ratings were assigned for her urinary incontinence, bilateral foot disability, and cervical spine disability.,The Veteran's bilateral pes cavus with bilateral plantar fasciitis is currently rated as 50 percent disabling.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and right upper extremity radiculopathy have been granted service connection. The right knee disability is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including rating determinations and service connection for various conditions. The case is returned to the AOJ for initial review of new evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is now rated at 70 percent effective May 27, 2021.,Service connection for residuals of fracture second vertebra, C2, cervical spine (neck) has been granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection of lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and tinnitus. The Board found that there is sufficient evidence to support these claims as they are related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and reviewing VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded three issues related to increased ratings for various knee and cervical spine conditions due to the submission of new evidence since the last Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's atrophy of the vastus intermedius muscle laterally along a remote surgical incision is granted as service-connected. The cervical spine disability (Klippel-Feil syndrome) is also granted as service-connected, but only for its congenital nature and not due to any in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for neck and left ankle disabilities due to repetitive heavy lifting during military service. The Veteran's VA treatment records indicate chronic symptoms, but a medical opinion is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's neck, back, hip, and thigh disabilities, as well as his depressive disorder. The remand requests additional examinations and opinions to address functional impairment and historical severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for his service-connected cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, neck, and stomach disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's cervical spine whiplash injury with subluxation of C3-4 is currently rated at 20 percent effective September 26, 2003.,Secondary service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities is granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board has granted a higher rating. The other issues have been resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's cervical strain and lumbar strain have been granted increased ratings, while other conditions remain at their current levels or are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of thyroid cancer and a cervical spine condition due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.