Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than May 21, 2012 for left great toe neuropathy and left lower extremity sciatica have been denied as the effective date is based on the date of receipt of the claim.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine DDD, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right lower extremity sciatica, and a lumbar scar received August 31, 2011 have been denied as there are no earlier unaddressed filings or communications that would warrant an earlier effective date.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities, as well as radiculopathy of the lower and upper extremities. The remand requires a VA examination to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has determined that additional relevant service medical and personnel records have been received, necessitating the reconsideration of multiple claims for various disabilities.

The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance from September 20, 2017. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to be at a high risk of falling due to numbness in his hands and feet.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, as well as alcohol abuse disability and peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities.,Reasoning: The medical evidence supports a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied service connection for chronic neck pain, finding no evidence of a disease or injury during active duty or qualifying periods of reserve service. The Veteran's current cervical spine disability is not related to any in-service event and is considered a result of normal aging.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities due to a lack of VA treatment records, and requests that he provide lay statements from individuals who have knowledge about his in-service injuries. A VA examination is also required to determine the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical arthritis and spondylosis (neck condition) were not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, continuity of symptomatology is not established, and the disability is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease. Service connection for this condition is denied.,The Veteran's arthritis of the lumbar spine was not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, continuity of symptomatology is not established, and the disability is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease. Service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and cervical spine disorder due to issues with the opinions provided in previous VA examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which he contends are related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted as service connected.,Left upper extremity radiculopathy, claimed as left arm disability, and right upper extremity radiculopathy are both granted as secondary to the service-connected cervical spine disability.,Left foot disability, including pes planus, is granted as service connected.,An increased rating for residuals of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is remanded.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal, satisfied with the decisions on cervical spine, TMJ dysfunction, and right ankle disabilities. No further action is needed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for neck disability, right shoulder disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as there is no current disability of a hearing loss disability for VA purposes. The issues of entitlement to service connection for migraine headaches, lumbosacral and thoracic strain, patellofemoral pain syndrome (right knee), patellofemoral pain syndrome (left knee), and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, but has remanded the claim for secondary service connection of a left wrist disorder due to right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for right thumb/wrist joint pain, left thumb/wrist joint pain, and right elbow joint pain as incurred during the Veteran's Persian Gulf service. Service connection was denied for other conditions.

The Board has granted a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis prior to February 11, 2022, finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The appeal as to whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is dismissed.,The appeal seeking entitlement to service connection for gout is dismissed.,New and material evidence having been received, the claims for service connection for right hip disability and left hip disability are reopened; to this extent only, the appeals are granted.,New and material evidence having been received, the claim for service connection for interstitial cystitis is reopened; to this extent only, the appeal is granted.,The appeals seeking entitlement to service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and anxiety) are remanded.

The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy and cervical spine disability have been granted a rating of 60 percent, effective November 10, 2010. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion to address the etiology of any current cervical spine disorder, including whether it is related to service or caused by a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's cervical spine condition or depression are related to his service-connected DDD, lumbosacral strain.