Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete etiology opinions and a need for further examination. The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including degenerative disease and sprain, is being reviewed again.

The Board has determined that additional development is required for the claims of service connection for various conditions, including hemorrhoids, lumbar herniated disc, bilateral cataracts, left and right sciatic nerve paralysis, cervical herniated disc, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected back and neck conditions, as well as his claim of entitlement to a TDIU prior to May 5, 2017, require additional development. Specifically, the AOJ is instructed to obtain private medical records, schedule the Veteran for VA examinations regarding his conditions, and provide an SOC on the issue of higher ratings for his service-connected back condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic nephropathy, PTSD, diabetes mellitus with retinopathy, cervical sprain, tinnitus, right and left knee degenerative joint disease, pes planus, and left eardrum surgery residuals, preclude him from engaging in gainful employment consistent with his education and experience. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of 90 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical condition and a back condition (thoracolumbar) as there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left knee disorders, cervical spine disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to in-service motor vehicle accident (MVA) and reported harassment.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's neck disability clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service or is otherwise related to it.

The Board denied a higher disability rating for the Veteran's cervical spine strain with degenerative disc disease, finding that his condition more nearly approximated no worse than forward flexion of the cervical spine at least 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees when considering pain and functional loss.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for various psoriatic arthritis disabilities, including cervical spine, left hand, right hand, left hip, right hip, and both knees. The rating assigned is 20 percent for each disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches has been granted as they are found to be secondary to his cervical spine disability.,Service connection for tuberculosis was denied due to lack of current diagnosis and no evidence of a present disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for his shoulder disabilities and cervical spine disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's cervical disability is granted as service connected, with the Board resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression are granted as service-connected, but his cervical spine disability and thoracolumbar spine disability are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine. The claims for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and gastrointestinal disability are remanded due to incomplete STRs, inadequate VA medical opinions, and need for updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is proximately due to his service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal of TDIU is dismissed. The Board also remanded the issue of SMC based on need for aid and attendance or on account of being housebound, due to additional development needed.

The Veteran's service-connected non-cardiac syncope disability with narcolepsy has rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting TDIU.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding increased ratings for her hip disabilities and vocal cord disorder, as well as her service connection claim for cervical spine disability. The Veteran withdrew her appeal in September 2022.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD; a low back disability; and a neck disability due to issues with the VA examinations and lack of private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing (SAH), special home adaptation (SHA) grant, and special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to unclear extent of service-connected disabilities affecting daily activities.