Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical spine disability and bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome were denied. The right cubital tunnel syndrome was combined with the cervical radiculopathy, resulting in a 40 percent rating since October 14, 2020.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's bone pain disability due to bone density loss, including osteoporosis and osteopenia. The examiner is asked to clarify whether certain diagnoses are related to service and provide an opinion on their etiology.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability, as secondary to degenerative arthritis of the spine associated with residuals of left ankle fracture. The case requires further development due to the need for an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability.

The Veteran was found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities from August 22, 2016. The Board granted an extraschedular TDIU for this period.

The Board denied service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his in-service injuries or disease.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a right ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination. The issues include lumbar spine, cervical spine, left knee, right ankle, and rectal conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle and neck disabilities, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a request from his representative for information regarding the qualifications of the VA examiner who provided an opinion in September 2021. The appeal is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board dismissed all service connection claims and rating determinations for various conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, gastritis with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bilateral hearing loss, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Board also remanded claims for sinusitis, an autoimmune condition (claimed as fibromyalgia), a respiratory disability, and OSA.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to incomplete development and need for additional opinions. The main issues are related to eye disabilities, diabetes, hypertension, knee disabilities, and a neck disability.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for initial ratings in excess of 20 percent prior to June 1, 2015, and in excess of 30 percent from that date, for degenerative disc disease cervical spine; and entitlement to an initial compensable rating for scar, status-post spinal stimulator installation. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for thoracic outlet syndrome, left side.

The Veteran's PTSD, thoracolumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted service connection. A rating of 70 percent has been assigned for PTSD since January 11, 2012.

The Veteran's cervical disability is not found to be secondary to his service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI). The claim for Parkinson's disease due to contaminated water exposure at Camp LeJeune and secondary to TBI was also denied.,There is no evidence of the Veteran serving at Camp Lejeune, which would allow for a presumption of service connection based on contaminated water exposure.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, lumbosacral strain (back trauma), cervical strain (neck pain), and right knee disabilities.,There is no evidence of a current disability in any of these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that they are not related to his in-service conditions or aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder and right elbow disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's neck disability and neuropathy claims. The issues of service connection for LLE and RLE neuropathy are also being deferred pending resolution of the back disability claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy due to outstanding treatment records from the Salem Vet Center not being obtained.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a neck disability and bilateral pes planus due to inadequate VA examination reports. The Veteran's hearing testimony was not adequately addressed, and his self-treatment of foot pain in service is not considered.