Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for back and neck disabilities due to insufficient evidence in the VA examination report.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals for service connection and TDIU related to low back condition, hypertension, breast cancer, type II diabetes mellitus, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome affecting both upper extremities, and entitlement to a total disability evaluation due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was dismissed due to withdrawal of the right knee claim, and his cervical spine disability claim was denied. His lumbosacral strain received initial and subsequent rating decisions.

The Veteran's cervical strain and degenerative disc disease (DDD) are granted service connection.,Left mastoid sinus disease is granted a separate rating, but not in excess of the current noncompensable rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for a thoracolumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity due to potential service connection issues related to aggravation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and to obtain relevant treatment records, including those from non-VA providers. The issues of rating cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, and right elbow disability are being remanded due to the possibility of material worsening since the last VA examination in February 2018.

The Board has determined that the VA's remand instructions were not followed and thus, the case must be returned to the RO for further development. The Veteran seeks service connection for a cervical spine disability either as directly related to his service or as caused by his service-connected low back disability.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, cervical spine disability, thoracic spine disability, low back disability, right hip disability, left hip disability, traumatic brain injury (TBI), headache disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy as the evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and service.,The Board found that there was no credible evidence of an in-service injury or incident related to the claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for persistent depressive disorder has been dismissed. The Board has remanded the remaining issues of service connection for various conditions, including left shoulder degenerative arthritis, cervical spine condition, and ankle, knee, foot, thigh, and back conditions.

The Veteran's melanoma and eczematoid dermatitis are granted service connection. The Board finds the asthma, bilateral plantar fasciitis, cervical spine disability, headaches, and OSA issues need further development due to conflicting evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The appeal will be returned for further development and consideration.

Service connection for COPD is granted from August 10, 2022, due to exposure to fine particulate matter during service in the Persian Gulf. The Veteran's PTSD and hypertension are not rated higher.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder has increased in severity, and he is also seeking a TDIU prior to August 27, 2018. The Board finds that both issues require additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to February 5, 2020 is being remanded due to the need for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating of cervical spine disability was granted, but the Board found that an increased rating is not warranted. The case regarding service connection for colon polyps remains pending.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the issue of service connection for a cervical spine disability due to an inadequate VA opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to inadequate prior examination opinions and missing records. The Veteran contends his current conditions are related to military service, including a 2003 motor vehicle accident in Iraq.

Service connection is granted for hemorrhoids. Service connection is denied for bilateral hearing loss, chest pain, lower back condition, and cervical spine condition.,A rating higher than 10 percent for allergic rhinitis is denied.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection on all four issues due to his death.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions provided are incomplete, and thus, there has not been substantial compliance. The claims for service connection of right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, and cervical spine disorder (neck disability) are remanded for additional development.