Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen previously denied claims for service connection for various disabilities, including PTSD. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) was remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is caused by his service-connected sinusitis.,There is no evidence of a current seizure disorder during the appeal period, and therefore service connection for a seizure disorder is denied.,Pneumonia is remanded as there are no records documenting treatment during the appeal period. The Veteran should provide authorized records from any physician or facility where he received treatment.,Tremor disability is remanded as the Veteran's lay statements concerning hand tremors in service need to be addressed by a VA examiner.,Back and neck disabilities are remanded as the Veteran's lay statements about back pain during service need to be considered. The Veteran should provide authorized records from any physician or facility where he received treatment for his radiculopathy.,Bilateral lower extremity and upper extremity radiculopathies are remanded in conjunction with the Veteran's neck and back disabilities, as they are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has determined that further clarification is required prior to a decision on the merits of the Veteran's claims due to internal inconsistencies in previous opinions and the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, prior to December 17, 2019, was found to meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. However, after that date, it did not warrant any higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for an addendum opinion addressing whether the Veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are secondary to his service-connected bilateral ankle or foot disabilities.

The Veteran's GERD is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD. The cervical spine disorder, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for cervical neck and bilateral hip disabilities have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, has been granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective January 8, 2020. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions provided were not adequate to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder disability and cervical spine disability. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck, left knee, right knee, and left foot nerve disabilities due to service. The VA will obtain any outstanding records and provide addendum opinions regarding the relationship of these conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating increases have been dismissed. The Board has remanded several issues including right foot neuropathy, left foot neuropathy, sleep apnea, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, bilateral primary open angle glaucoma, chronic fatigue syndrome, and lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal of discontinuation of VR&E benefits and her request for retroactive induction, finding that it was not reasonably feasible to achieve a vocational goal given her disabilities and employment history.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation due to the need for aid and attendance and/or due to being housebound, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's ability to work.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as his PTSD, have been granted service connection. The Veteran was also awarded a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD prior to August 30, 2019.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for PTSD and service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for PTSD prior to March 17, 2021 or thereafter, and denied service connection for both cervical and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development, including affording the Veteran new VA examinations. The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, including cervical strain, is related to his time in active service and grants this claim.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain is currently rated at 10 percent, which accurately reflects the severity of his symptoms including pain and limited range of motion. The current rating does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there are no findings indicating forward flexion greater than 40 degrees or combined range of motion less than 235 degrees.