Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of full reevaluation by the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and incomplete VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim for additional VR&E benefits is being reviewed based on his current education, work experience, and transferable skills.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disorders due to insufficient evidence in the record, particularly regarding a VA examination.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is not service-connected as it was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's headache disability is service-connected as it is aggravated by his service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability on a direct basis, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated by his in-service duties.

All issues related to service connection have been either granted in full or finally denied by the Board without subsequent appeal.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a peripheral nerve condition, including cervical radiculopathy and/or peripheral neuropathy as due to herbicide exposure, is denied. The Board found no direct or presumptive evidence linking the current condition to his military service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to be afforded another VA medical examination regarding her service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and cervical strain. The issues of entitlement to an increased disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for IVDS, lumbosacral, and service connection for cervical strain are also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the bilateral hips and Degenerative Arthritis of the cervical spine, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and lumbosacral spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities for the period from September 27, 2012 to December 28, 2015 and for the period from December 29, 2015 to present.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development and readjudication due to outstanding VA treatment records, Social Security Administration disability benefit records, and a need for an examination to determine the etiology of his left ear hearing loss.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased disability evaluations for lumbosacral spine strain and cervical spine strain, as well as her claim for a total rating based on individual employability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU). The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations and provide any authorized medical records. If her TDIU claim is granted, it could significantly impact the outcome of her increased disability evaluation claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA opinions regarding the Veteran's neck disability, and further development is required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases are being remanded due to the receipt of additional VA treatment records. The Board will review all evidence, including new records, and issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Board has found that VBA did not substantially comply with the prior remand directives and has ordered additional development, including obtaining copies of State Disability Insurance (SDI) benefits records.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is denied as not related to service. For the lumbar spine, a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to July 6, 2020 and from July 6, 2020 is also denied due to lack of incapacitating episodes or ankylosis. Right knee chondromalacia and left knee chondromalacia are each rated at the maximum allowable rating.

The Veteran's neck disability is not service-connected as it did not begin during active service or manifest within a year thereafter.,His low back condition was first noted in service, but the VA examiner opined that it is less likely caused by his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical radiculopathy, bilateral hip/leg arthritis condition, headaches, and lung condition. The neck condition claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the cervical radiculopathy claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, bilateral knee, bilateral eye condition, and left ear hearing loss as they are related to service. The claims will be reviewed again with new evidence and opinions from VA examiners.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right shoulder impingement syndrome and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 6, 2011.