Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease (cervical spine arthritis) due to a chronic disease presumptive under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(b). The decision is based on an in-service injury and continuous symptoms since service separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder had its onset during service and is granting service connection for this condition. The remaining issues, including those related to cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, memory disorders, and TDIU, are remanded due to inadequate or incomplete evidence.

The Veteran's lower back injury is denied as there is no persuasive evidence of a nexus between the current condition and service.,The Veteran's bilateral flatfeet are rated at 30% since October 16, 2020. The claim for higher ratings prior to that date is remanded due to lack of compliance with remand directives.,Service connection for chronic headaches, allergic rhinitis (chronic nose bleeding), and sleep apnea syndrome is remanded as the RO did not substantially comply with remand directives.,Service connection for cervical spine pain and right jaw injury with residuals is also remanded due to lack of compliance with remand directives.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, left wrist, right wrist, left hand, and right hand conditions due to insufficient examination opinions. The Veteran is not service-connected for GERD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability and a right hand disability, including as due to a service-connected left forearm disability. The evidence did not support an etiological link between these disabilities and active service.

The Board denied service connection for rhinitis, loss of teeth, and neck disability as secondary to service-connected residuals of fractured mandible and maxilla. Sinusitis and headaches are remanded due to insufficient etiology opinions.,Service connection was not granted for the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for TBI, right shoulder disability, and cervical spine disability have been dismissed due to voluntary withdrawal of the claims.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity were also dismissed due to voluntary withdrawal of the claims.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds no basis for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis.,A 10 percent rating has been granted for residuals of left index finger fracture. The Veteran already receives the highest schedular rating available for painful motion of the right little finger.

The Board has determined that additional VA treatment records need to be obtained and reviewed before the claims for service connection can be decided. The case is being remanded back to the AOJ for this purpose.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back and neck disabilities, finding that they are related to his active military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, was denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent prior to April 13, 2017, and a rating in excess of 70 percent from that date.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was denied an initial compensable rating prior to December 30, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities due to insufficient development. The VA is required to obtain an addendum opinion or schedule a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of these disabilities, considering the Veteran's reports during service.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy as the evidence did not show a nexus to active service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals, and the Board dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, left and right ankle disabilities, and a heart disability. The AOJ is instructed to provide the Veteran with an opportunity to submit any SSA medical records in his possession.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for cervical spine DDD and DJD was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for higher ratings at any point during the appeal period.

Service connection is granted for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and cervical radiculopathy.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is not service connected.

The Veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for cervical strain and service connection for low back condition (back pain) are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease, cervical spine disability, left upper and right upper extremity radiculopathies, right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities, left hand disability, and left hip disability. The Board found that the Veteran's current heart condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, as well as radiculopathy of the left upper extremity and right lower extremity, all related to an in-service helicopter crash. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible testimony and a private physician's opinion.