Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's low back disability, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, and neck disability are all rated at 40 percent effective January 31, 2020. The claim for TDIU is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for systemic arthritis, left knee disability, right leg disability, lumbar spine disability, thoracic spine disability, cervical spine disability, and bilateral hip disabilities due to incomplete examinations and potential misapplication of medical standards.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30% from March 31, 2022. The Board denied higher ratings for the periods prior to and after this date.

The Veteran was previously working and earning above the poverty threshold, but due to his service-connected disabilities, he is now unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU from April 22, 2017.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative spondylosis is rated at 40 percent effective October 15, 2013. The rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy was also granted but not discussed in detail as it does not affect the overall decision.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical condition, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, IVDS of the cervical spine, right upper extremity neuralgia, left upper extremity neuralgia, right upper extremity neuritis, and left upper extremity neuritis as secondary to a cervical condition.,Effective December 1, 2015, the Veteran's service-connected right knee flexion was rated at 10 percent. From November 21, 2016 to March 24, 2018, it was rated at 30 percent. Since then, it has been rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as hypertension, but the appellant contends that his true cause of death was head trauma from repeated falls. The VA medical opinions found no nexus between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations. The examinations did not adequately address the Veteran's in-service experiences or his reported pain.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, migraine headaches, left knee osteoarthritis, and right toe disabilities, were found to be severe enough to prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment from July 28, 2014 to November 1, 2016.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine traumatic arthritis and thoracolumbar spine chronic mechanical syndrome, left knee chondromalacia of the patella, right knee osteoarthritis to include ACL deficiency, and headaches as secondary to service-connected cervical spine traumatic arthritis.,The Veteran's diagnoses are supported by medical opinions linking his conditions to military service.

The Veteran's use of a wheelchair and forearm crutches for service-connected disabilities is granted as a clothing allowance for 2018. The use of a urine bag does not meet the criteria for a clothing allowance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cervical spondylosis prior to January 23, 2020 due to inadequate examination and need for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examinations and further development is required.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain and thoracolumbar strain, finding that the Veteran's current neck and back disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee condition, neck condition (claimed as cervical strain), and back condition due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which are currently considered directly related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection. The Veteran's claims for neck disability, head injury residuals, shoulder disabilities, and headaches are being reviewed again as the VA examiners did not consider the lay evidence of record.

The Veteran's application to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for a head injury (TBI) is granted. Service connection for a cervical spine disorder is granted, but the issue of service connection for TBI is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including heart, neck, low back, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle disabilities. The evidence did not establish a relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's period of active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a supplemental VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's cervical disability is at least as likely as not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various hip, neck, back, shoulder, elbow, and ankle disabilities due to credible testimony of in-service injuries sustained during combat duty. The claims are being returned for further development.