Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder disability, finding that it was not causally related to his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions provided were inadequate to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptomatology in service and post-service. Additionally, a new opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's current hearing loss is related to active service. Finally, an opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's headaches are caused or aggravated by his tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to need the regular aid and assistance of another person, which has been granted for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasoning in a previous medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's cervical spine disability was caused or aggravated by his service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome. The case is now pending for further examination and determination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to assess her GERD with gastritis and neck disorder.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine, right knee, bilateral foot, and left heel bone spur disabilities. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating prior to August 16, 2022 for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for left shoulder disability, cervical strain, and neurological disability (including TBI and/or non-combat related concussion) have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a right knee condition was denied. The rating for cervical fracture of C4-5 status post fusion remains at 30 percent, and the ratings for right upper extremity and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy were adjusted based on new findings from November 2018 VA examination. The Veteran's duodenal ulcer condition was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and back conditions, as well as sciatic nerve conditions of the lower extremities, are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea due to new and material evidence. The claims for other conditions are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine, cervical spine, left knee, right knee, left hip, right hip, left ankle, and duodenitis.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding service connection for a neck disability, a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for status post lateral meniscus tear of the right knee with degenerative arthritis, and a compensable disability rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew them prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and right shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran's conditions are etiologically related to his time in service.

The Veteran's headache disability is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder. The cervical spine, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and evaluation due to inadequate findings regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities during flare-ups and on repeated use over time.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete compliance with prior remand instructions regarding a retrospective examination of the Veteran's cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraines, cervical disability, and left knee disability were denied. The rating for migraines was not granted as the attacks did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. For cervical disability, the claim was denied as the current rating already reflects the maximum schedular rating. For left knee disability, no specific rating was assigned.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, neck disability, left arm disability, and left shoulder disability due to insufficient evidence in the record. The claims are being returned for further development.