Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

Service connection has been granted for a cervical spine disability and headaches. Other service connection claims are being remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome of the cervical spine, as well as for vocal cord paralysis post anterior cervical fusion, both conditions being found to be related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for a low back disability. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of any currently diagnosed low back disability and neck disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an etiology opinion from a medical professional.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck disorder and right hip disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.,The VA examiners provided opinions against the Veteran's claims, stating that his current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine bilateral radiculopathy and remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to December 2, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's numbness in the left arm and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are related to service, but additional opinions are needed regarding whether these conditions are specifically due to his neck disability. The Veteran's neck disability is also found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical nexus opinions provided in response to previous remands. The case is being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to the need to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) and provide the Veteran with an opportunity to perfect his appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for residuals of a cervical spine disability and right knee disability to obtain additional development, including verification of service dates and addendum opinions from VA examiners. The issues are currently pending further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of cervical and lumbar spine disorders due to a lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his claimed conditions are to be considered, and a new VA examination is required.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disability (diverticulitis), neck disability, and back disability. However, the claim for sleep apnea was denied as there is no evidence of its onset during or due to active duty.

The Veteran's lumbar spine DJD was granted an increased rating of 40 percent prior to October 8, 2019. The issues of service connection for a cervical spine disability and right knee disability were remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cellulitis, neck disability as secondary to cellulitis, and sleep apnea as secondary to persistent depressive disorder due to new and material evidence received since the last denial in September 2015. The issues of service connection are being reconsidered.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of his cervical spine disability and degenerative arthritis, finding that there was no evidence showing a chronic condition in service or continuity of symptomatology thereafter. The VA medical opinion provided by an expert clinician supported this conclusion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine DJD and bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, finding no direct or secondary link to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The claim will be reviewed with an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lipoma of the left upper back area is denied as there is no evidence linking it to his military service, including herbicide exposure. The claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, and joint pain are all remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, and SMC benefits. The AOJ must obtain all relevant medical records and provide the Veteran with necessary examinations or opinions.