Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal includes issues of service connection for various disabilities, including a back disability, hip disabilities, neck and shoulder/arm disabilities, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and TDIU. The Board has previously remanded several of these issues due to the need for additional development, particularly regarding in-service treatment records at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. These issues are now being remanded again.

The Veteran's low back disability and sciatic nerve pain are rated at 20 percent before May 24, 2019. From that date, the rating is increased to 40 percent for both conditions.,Neck disability was initially rated at 20 percent before May 18, 2021 and then increased to 30 percent from that date.

The Board has dismissed several claims, including those for increased ratings and reopening of service connection claims. The application to restore a disability rating of 30 percent for migraines due to TBI is remanded.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective March 29, 2018. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for PTSD and is currently considering a TDIU claim based on his migraines and other disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for color blindness, neck disability, right ankle disability, and left shoulder disability have all been denied.,A TDIU has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder strain, cervical spine DDD, and lumbar spine DDD. The Veteran's current conditions are related to injuries sustained during his active duty.,Service connection is established for the Veteran's right shoulder strain, cervical spine DDD, and lumbar spine DDD as these conditions are at least as likely as not related to incidents in service.

The Board has denied service connection for respiratory and digestive disabilities, as well as back and neck disabilities. The claim for a higher rating of left thumb disability is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of secondary service connection for his neck disability, finding that it is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected residuals of dislocated left shoulder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral foot disabilities, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability. The evidence did not show an in-service disease or injury that led to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions provided by VA examiners.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's in-service onset and continued symptoms, as well as her contention that her neck disability is related to a bulging disc rather than degenerative disc disease. The VA examiner will be asked to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's neck disability had its onset in service or is otherwise attributable to service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his diabetes mellitus, type II, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left upper extremities do not meet or approximate criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for vertigo and a rating greater than 20 percent for cervical spondylosis due to additional development being required.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues of service connection for eye disability, neck disability, bilateral ankle disability, and fibromyalgia are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records. The effective date of July 15, 1986, has been granted for his cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain and cervical spine disorders due to insufficient evidence regarding his in-service injuries and continuity of symptomatology.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability and found that new and material evidence has not been presented. The claims for PTSD, TBI, back disability, left knee disability, chronic pain syndrome, increased rating for right shoulder arthritis with impingement, and TDIU are all remanded.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis and tension headaches associated with the cervical spine disability were denied service connection.,Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depressive disorder due to service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracic spine condition, lumbar spine condition, and cervical strain due to a lack of consideration of his lay statements and an examination is needed.

The Veteran's cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine conditions are found to be related to his active service.,The Veteran's right leg radiculopathy is also found to be related to his active service.