Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have potentially increased in severity, and current examinations are needed to accurately assess the current level of severity. Additionally, the issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to November 9, 2020 is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claims on appeal.

The appeal for an earlier effective date prior to March 26, 2009, for the grant of service connection for cervical spondylosis with minor canal stenosis and minor cord compression with degenerative arthritis is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his neck disability remains pending. His eligibility for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status is also pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability and bilateral knee disabilities due to inadequate examination. The Veteran is seeking increased ratings for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities, as well as bilateral shoulder disabilities. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records from Brooke Army Medical Center and provide addendum opinions addressing the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability, and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy due to inadequate VA medical opinions in previous decisions. The Veteran is required to provide additional addendum VA medical opinions that consider his lay statements regarding symptoms and continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical radiculopathy and carpal tunnel syndrome in both upper extremities due to inadequate reasons and bases provided in the January 2021 decision. The case is now pending for further examination and rating.

The Veteran's appeals for an enlarged prostate and a right foot disability have been withdrawn.,Service connection has been granted for headaches. The Board found that the Veteran's current headaches began during his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the regulatory requirements.,Service connection for hypertension was denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis and failure to show continuity of symptomatology within one year after separation from service. The VA opinion found that exposure to chemicals at George AFB did not cause the Veteran's hypertension.,The claim for service connection for a back disability was denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or chronic condition, and the VA opinion found that the Veteran's current condition is more likely related to degenerative changes rather than her period of active service.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his conditions are not rated higher than the current assigned ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete examinations, missing records, and inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran will need new examinations for his left knee, cervical spine, left shoulder, and bilateral radiculopathy of the upper extremities.

The Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative arthritis and disc disease is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for neck disability and remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, sleep disability, and right leg disability. Additional evidence is needed to support these claims.

The Veteran's request to continue the appeal of service connection for a left hand disability and an initial rating higher than 10 percent for tinnitus was withdrawn during the October 2021 Board hearing.,A claim to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been granted, as new evidence related to current bilateral hearing loss has been submitted.

The Veteran's left knee condition is granted service connection. The cervical spine disorder and bilateral ulnar neuropathy are remanded for further review.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU due to insufficient evidence regarding his employment history during the appeal period, despite meeting the schedular requirements for a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine degenerative changes as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbosacral spine strain.

The Board has remanded the claims for a cervical spine disability and left upper extremity radiculopathy as secondary to a cervical spine disability due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease is granted a 30 percent rating prior to November 6, 2019. From August 1, 2018, the Veteran is granted TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been remanded due to the need for further development and examination.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease and associated radiculopathy are currently rated at 30 percent. The Board has remanded the case to consider whether separate ratings for left upper extremity radiculopathy should be granted, as well as secondary service connection for any related conditions.