Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent effective October 8, 2022.,Service connection for depression and anxiety is granted as secondary to service-connected physical disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a denial of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for cervical spondylosis and arthritis status post anterior cervical discectomy and fusion was denied. The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was dismissed as the benefit sought has been granted.

The Board denied an increased disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for cervical spondylosis prior to September 9, 2018, finding that the Veteran's condition did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating based on limited range of motion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness on entry into service and insufficient medical opinions to establish a nexus between current spinal conditions and service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine disorder, cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, and pseudotumor cerebri. Specifically, an addendum opinion is required regarding whether these conditions are related to service, and a medical opinion is needed to clarify if the Veteran's pseudotumor cerebri may be related to service exposures.

The Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened. Service connection is granted for left ear hearing loss, but the issue of higher evaluation for cervical spine degenerative arthritis remains remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's low back and neck disabilities were granted increased ratings of 40% and 20%, respectively, effective from November 7, 2011. The decision also granted a TDIU effective from the same date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination. The issues include his cervical spine disability, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, back disability, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand cold injury, left hand cold injury, bursitis of the right shoulder, and bursitis of the left shoulder are granted. Service connection is also granted for a cervical spine disorder with associated upper extremity radiculopathy. A 10% rating is assigned for residuals of a fracture of the right ring finger.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that there was no chronic disease shown in service or within one year after separation, and no continuity of symptoms since service. The Board also found that his current cervical spine disability is not related to any in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to April 26, 2017 due to inextricably intertwined issues with other pending claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, heart condition, and headache condition due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back, neck, left lower extremity, and bilateral hip disabilities as they are related to his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran has withdrawn all remaining issues on appeal, including those for vertigo and spinal disabilities. The Board is dismissing the appeals as a result.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations of various disabilities, including cervical strain, thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis (back disability), right and left lower extremity radiculopathies, and knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's TDIU claims for the periods from August 8, 2014 to October 3, 2016 and from October 3, 2016 are denied as her service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a schedular or extraschedular TDIU rating. The Veteran's education and work history demonstrate that she is capable of engaging in non-physically demanding employment.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of right foot bone spurs and cervical spine disability. The appeal for prostate cancer is remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for TBI, bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disability, petite mal seizures, and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient development or examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for cervical spine degenerative joint disease was granted effective December 31, 2020. The Board denied the request for an earlier effective date.