Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board denied attorney fees for the February 2021 rating decision because it was an initial decision on issues of increased rating and service connection, and the appellant is not eligible to represent the Veteran in these matters.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neck disability. The examiner must provide an addendum addressing whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's neck disability is related to service, including his reported fall.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for cervical spine and bilateral leg disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active service.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for a right rib fracture, service connection for hearing loss, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, a right hip disability, and left hip disability have been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for neck, right ankle, right knee, and left knee disabilities, as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine, right hip, and left hip disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection on appeal must be remanded due to a lack of VA examinations and development. The claims include bilateral hearing loss, bilateral foot disorder, left shoulder disorder, hypertension, acquired psychiatric disorder (initially claimed as anxiety and/or depression), left eye disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and cervical spine disorder.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the issues on appeal due to incomplete records and inadequate examination. The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right upper extremity-dominant cervical radiculopathy, left upper extremity non dominant cervical radiculopathy, and surgical scar, right upper neck are all service-connected.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities were rated as 10 percent disabling prior to August 21, 2020. From that date forward, they are each rated at 20 percent.,The Veteran's left knee condition and cervical spine condition have not been evaluated by VA since the rating period on appeal.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia, cervical spine disability, scar of the umbilical region, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and gynecological disability are all found to be related to her service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.,Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's vertigo as secondary to her service-connected migraines.

Service connection for left and right carpal tunnel syndrome has been granted.,The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a neck disorder and a back disorder due to potential service causation or aggravation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to a motor vehicle collision in service. The case is sent back for further examination and opinions regarding the relationship between the current disabilities and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and headaches due to lack of timely notice of disagreement.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including back disability, neck disability, right hip disability, sleep disability (including sleep apnea), hypertension, migraines, and TBI. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a direct link between these conditions and his time in service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of a cervical spine disability is denied as there was no formal or informal claim prior to August 6, 2020.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining private treatment records from his current provider and VA examinations for his service-connected conditions. The TDIU claim is also remanded as proper VCAA notice must be provided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in his inability to secure and maintain employment consistent with his occupational history, leading to a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to perform daily activities such as feeding, dressing, bathing, and attending to personal hygiene needs. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete evidence in his file, specifically missing treatment records from VA Medical Center, Jacksonville and possibly Gainesville.