Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical strain has been reopened, and she is now receiving a higher rating. The claims for increased ratings of her paresthesia conditions are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and headaches due to inadequate opinions in prior decisions. The cases are now before the Board for further review.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claim of service connection for a cervical spine disability. The matter is being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is now rated at 30 percent from October 5, 2017. His lumbar spine and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy disabilities continue to be rated as before.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's disabilities are related to his military service, specifically in-service injuries or illnesses. The VA examinations need to address these issues and provide a rationale for their conclusions.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is not manifested by forward flexion to 15 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee, neck, and hip disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is asked to provide any outstanding VA, private, or Social Security Administration records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for a cervical spine disability and has determined that he is entitled to service connection for this condition. The Board found that there was at least equipoise evidence in favor of the Veteran's claim, thus granting service connection based on direct evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding records and need for addendum opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, cervical lordosis, and compression fractures and degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine are remanded.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of various musculoskeletal disorders, including bilateral knee and shoulder disorders, lumbar spine disorder, and cervical spine disorder. The issues are related to secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected acne is remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records.,The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to June 24, 2020, is also remanded as it may be impacted by the grant of service connection for sleep apnea.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's cervical spine disability and his in-service altercation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension, keratosis (claimed as skin condition), a skin disability, and a neck disability due to exposure to herbicide agents during service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an opinion regarding the service connection of depression.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for a bilateral foot disorder and cervical spine disability due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the Veteran's specific symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder, combined with other service-connected disabilities, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from March 28, 2015. Therefore, the claim for SMC based on housebound status is granted as of that date.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right shoulder, left shoulder, neck, and lower back disabilities, finding that these conditions are more likely than not related to his military service.

The Board has denied a separate compensable rating for right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy as it would result in impermissible pyramiding.