Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability needs further development due to the inability to contact the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating and service connection for his thoracolumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability have been remanded due to procedural issues. The Veteran will need to provide a substantive appeal within the required time frame, and he may also need additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed for the left inguinal hernia. Service connection is granted for chronic headaches and cervical strain as secondary to TMJ dysfunction.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been withdrawn and are dismissed.,Service connection is denied for a left hand disability.

The Board has determined that additional research and development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to hazardous chemicals while stationed at Fort McLellan, which may be related to her skin cancer of the nose, erythematous rash, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, and osteoarthritis. The claims are being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the cervical spine claim due to insufficient explanation for its denial and a need for further examination regarding the use of Kevlar helmet during training exercises.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and effective date adjustments related to his cervical spine disability have been denied. The current rating of 60 percent for the cervical spine disability is effective from July 1, 2019.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was granted an initial rating of 100 percent effective May 13, 2021.,A 70 percent rating for the Veteran's depressive disorder from May 29, 2012 to May 12, 2021 is granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate retrospective medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability and TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to new evidence and outstanding records. The issues of service connection, special monthly compensation (SMC), and education benefits are being deferred until the service connection issues are resolved.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for obesity, left shoulder disability, lumbar disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The cervical neck disorder and TBI residuals are also addressed as new issues to be resolved.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a TBI and cervical spine disability has been reopened, and the Board finds that these conditions are related to his in-service injuries. The Veteran's PTSD is also being remanded for further development.,Service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is also remanded due to outstanding SSA records and potential combat service confirmation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, finding no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his active military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete examinations and failure to address critical evaluation criteria.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of current hearing loss.,The Veteran's appendectomy scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under VA regulations.,The Veteran's TBI, PTSD, and related conditions are remanded due to missing service treatment records.,The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and thoracic/lumbar spine arthritis, cervical spine disability, tinnitus, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and psychiatric disorder are all remanded for further development.,The Veteran's right foot disability, left foot disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability are also remanded due to missing service treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine spondylosis with fusion and chronic back condition as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification of the Veteran's claims, particularly regarding his right knee disability and cervical spine disability.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service connected. The back disability issue was remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on appeal have been remanded due to the need for additional development and examination. The issues of entitlement to service connection for various disabilities, including tinnitus, vertigo (claimed as dizziness and unbalance), an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), memory loss, erectile dysfunction, cervical spine disability, left upper extremity disability, right upper extremity disability, left lower extremity disability, right lower extremity disability, left knee arthralgia, and right knee arthralgia are still pending.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to February 3, 2020 was denied as he has not provided the necessary information and there is no indication in the record that he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities. The claim for a TDIU since February 3, 2020, was dismissed as moot because he had a combined schedular rating of 100%.