Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between his active duty service and his current condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and anxiety, is related to his active service. The claim for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is remanded as VA has not provided a VA examination addressing whether the current neck disability is related to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's pes planus has been rated based on the severity of his symptoms, with a current rating of 50 percent from May 29, 2018. The right ankle and low back disabilities have not yet been evaluated by VA.,Service connection for a neck disability and bilateral hip disability remains pending as additional medical opinions are needed.

The Veteran's cervical condition, including degenerative disk disease and stenosis, is found to have started during his service in Vietnam. The Board granted service connection for these conditions based on the presumption of service connection due to combat exposure.

The Board has dismissed all claims as the appellant (or her authorized representative) withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's chest pains due to undiagnosed illness are currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a more severe disability.,The Veteran's low back pain with mild disc bulge L4-5 and cervical spine disabilities have been remanded due to inadequate examination findings regarding range of motion, ankylosis, and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical evidence and for the VA examiner to provide more specific opinions regarding the Veteran's neck disability, including whether he currently has left upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded both issues: the propriety of reducing the rating from 30 percent to 20 percent for DDD of the cervical spine, effective January 30, 2017, and the entitlement to an increased rating for service-connected DDD of the cervical spine. Both issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that his symptoms began during service and resolving all doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the physical loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, nor ankylosis of either knee. Therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in purchasing a vehicle with adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain and right knee arthritis have been granted a 20 percent disability rating from August 29, 2014 to November 13, 2019. The psychiatric disorder has been granted a 30 percent disability rating for the period from August 29, 2014 to December 15, 2014. The Veteran's testicular cancer residuals have not met the criteria for a higher rating. The scars of the abdomen and inner left thigh have been granted a 20 percent disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination opinions and additional development is required before service connection can be adjudicated on the merits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck and low back disabilities due to inadequate VA opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for heart disability, cervical spine disability, right and left upper extremity neurological disabilities, bilateral shoulder and hand disabilities, and bilateral hip disability due to inextricably intertwined issues. The VA must obtain addendum opinions from the February 2021 VA examiner regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for a heart disability and a medical opinion on whether his current hip disability is secondary to his service-connected thoracolumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's initial ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities have been granted, with the cervical spine disability receiving a 30% rating from September 16, 2010 to July 5, 2021. The lumbar spine disability received a 40% rating from September 16, 2010 to June 25, 2013 and then a 30% rating beginning July 5, 2021.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as bilateral hand tremors due to service connection issues. Additional VA medical opinions are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's cervical spine disability is related to service, including a motor vehicle accident during active duty. The case must be further evaluated with new medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar and cervical disabilities due to incomplete records. The Veteran is required to provide authorization for private treatment records from Dr. W.W.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a failure to cooperate in scheduling VA examinations. The appellant and his representative provided reasons related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the decision to remand.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of various conditions, including low back disability, right inguinal hernia repair, GERD, diabetes mellitus, CAD, neck disability, hypertension, hemorrhoids, renal failure, and colitis.