Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected neck disability, low back disability, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board denied service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, finding that the current conditions are not related to service.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, headaches, right hip disability, left hip disability, and erectile dysfunction as these conditions are not related to service or service-connected disabilities.,The VA examiner found that the Veteran's current cervical spine, headache, right hip, left hip, and erectile dysfunction disabilities are less likely than not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected residuals of compression fracture, T10 and L2.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine condition and bilateral AC joint degenerative joint disease, finding that these conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities due to errors in decision-making and incomplete evidence. The AOJ is instructed to obtain any missing treatment records from Dr. G.K.A., provide new VA examinations, and consider lay statements regarding the onset of symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, skin disability, cervical spine disability, and right upper extremity radiculopathy have been rated as per the criteria. The effective date for the award of a TDIU has been granted earlier than April 17, 2020, and an earlier effective date for the establishment of basic eligibility for education benefits under Chapter 35 (DEA) has also been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine injury and lumbar spine DJD are being remanded for further evaluation due to the possibility of increased disability since his last VA examination in June 2017.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and cervical spine disorder, as well as whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his left knee disability and to resolve conflicting medical evidence regarding service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine, bilateral shoulders, and bilateral wrists. The examiner is asked to provide detailed information about range of motion tests and any additional functional loss due to pain during flare-ups or with repeated use over time.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for cervical strain with degenerative disc disease (DDD) is denied. The medical evidence does not support an increased rating as there was no ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).

The Veteran's appeals seeking increased ratings for lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and right upper extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal in writing.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, cervical spondylolisthesis, right shoulder acromioclavicular degenerative hypertrophy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including bilateral deafness, a bilateral hip disorder, a neck disorder, a bilateral shoulder disorder, a back disorder, a bilateral knee disorder, a bilateral ankle disorder, a bilateral arm disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome of the bilateral hands, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder), hypertensive cardiovascular disease, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, a bilateral elbow disorder, and a bilateral foot disorder were not caused by or related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's claimed conditions did not manifest within one year after separation from service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and cervical spine disability due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's hypertension is being reviewed again as there are no treatment records during service, while his cervical spine disability requires a more thorough analysis of the in-service injury and its relation to current symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial evaluations were denied. The appeal is remanded for further development in several areas.

The Board denied service connection for chronic bronchitis, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.,Service connection was not granted as there is no medical evidence showing that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his time in active duty.

The Board has found that the VA medical opinions provided were inadequate and remanded for addendum etiology opinions. The claims are now being returned to obtain new opinions addressing the likely etiology of the Veteran's neck, shoulder, and back disorders.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for cervical strain, radiculopathy, and right index finger fracture have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.