Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The Board found the neck disability and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy/neuropathy issues were remanded for further examination and evidence collection.

The Board has determined that the VA opinions are inadequate and requires additional medical opinions to determine if the Veteran's hearing loss, thoracic spine disability, cervical spine condition, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, fibromyalgia, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and arthritis of the cervical spine require regular aid and attendance due to his cognitive limitations and physical disabilities. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance from October 17, 2012 to January 30, 2020.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities due to inadequate VA examination and missing relevant records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for cervical strain is being remanded due to deficiencies in the prior VA examinations. A new examination and opinion are needed to address functional loss during flare-ups.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is currently employed and has been for several years.

The Veteran's appeals regarding cervical spine disability, bilateral ankle disabilities, and bilateral shoulder disabilities have been remanded for further development.,No effective date or rating is assigned in this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational background and work history since at least February 12, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to May 20, 2018. The Board denied the claim for TDIU as there was no evidence showing he was unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for determining service connection for sleep apnea, cervical spine disability, and headaches. The claims are therefore remanded to obtain new opinions from appropriate VA examiners.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted service connection. The lumbar spine disability receives a 20 percent rating, but no higher. Right and left lower extremity radiculopathy each receive a 10 percent rating. The right middle finger fracture receives a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cervical spine disability is granted. The claim for TDIU due to diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy is granted from December 30, 2002 through the present. SMC based on permanent housebound status is granted effective December 30, 2003.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, right and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, but denied service connection for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has found that another remand is necessary to obtain the Veteran's VA treatment records from June 2010 to June 2011 and July 2020 to present. The issues of increased ratings for various knee and spine conditions are being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The cases will be further evaluated by VA medical professionals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and restoration of reduced ratings for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities due to incomplete records and need for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, along with his major depression, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from November 1, 2008 to July 31, 2012. As a result, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted for this period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine and/or upper back disability, finding that there was no evidence of such disabilities during his active military service or due to any in-service injury. The Veteran's current neck and upper back issues are attributed to an undiagnosed illness associated with his Southwest Asia service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and updated treatment records.,The Board is requesting that the Veteran be scheduled for updated VA examinations to determine the current severity of his musculoskeletal, bowel, and bladder symptomatology.

A rating higher than 20 percent for cervical spondylitis between June 8, 2009 and January 12, 2015 is denied.,A 30 percent rating for cervical spondylitis effective from January 12, 2015 is granted.