Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, effective November 25, 2008. The Veteran's cervical spondylosis with degenerative disk disease is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal for this issue. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, sleep apnea, and neck disability are all granted. However, the claim for sleep apnea is denied due to lack of in-service onset or relationship.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities due to inadequate examinations in prior decisions. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to determine the current severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU have been granted ratings of 40 percent since July 25, 2005.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate for the period from December 22, 2014 to October 21, 2019 due to service-connected PTSD. Chapter 35 DEA benefits are also granted during this time.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and a higher rating were dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding cervical spine disability and other specified trauma and stress related disorder, and granted service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to his low back disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for dizzy spells, cervical disorder, and headaches due to inadequate examination opinions. The Veteran will need new examinations by an otolaryngologist.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability in service or within one year following discharge. The examiner opined that the Veteran's neck disability is less likely than not incurred in or caused by events in active service and is more likely due to natural aging process.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The matter is being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for neck disability, lower back disability, bilateral hand disability, and bilateral knee disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and bilateral first cuneiform metatarsal joint arthritis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and consideration due to inconsistencies in his statements regarding his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for scar tissue with numbness has been dismissed as the benefits sought have already been granted. The issue of service connection for cervical spine disability is reopened, but no new rating assigned. Service connection for fibromyalgia is denied. Bilateral hearing loss and back disability are not rated compensably or increased.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues related to service connection and ratings, effective from the date of the July 2016 phone call.

The Veteran's left foot, right knee, and left ankle conditions are granted service connection.,The Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine conditions secondary to her service-connected right foot and/or left knee conditions are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board has granted a higher rating of 30 percent effective from May 1, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected back disability and lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as his claim for service connection for a neck disability. The VA is instructed to provide additional examinations and opinions to address these issues.

The Veteran's increased rating for cervical strain with degenerative disc disease is granted, but no higher.,Increased ratings are remanded for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and sciatic nerve disabilities.,TDIU is remanded as it was not addressed in the previous decision.,Permanent and total rating and SMC based on need for aid and attendance are also remanded due to their interrelation with other issues.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity are remanded due to a duty to assist error. A VA examination is required to assess current severity and manifestations.

The Veteran's cervical disc disease with arthritis is currently rated at 40 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or IVDS.,The Veteran's status post total right hip arthroplasty is currently rated at 50 percent. The evidence does not support a higher rating as there are no marked severe residuals and no need for crutches.