Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5237.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability. The claims will be reviewed again with new evidence and an examination by an orthopedist/orthopedic surgeon.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives and issues related to neurologic complications of IVDS.

The Board has granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder, but denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for status post cervical discectomy with intervertebral disc syndrome, bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis, migraines, and depression with anxiety as these conditions are related to a neck injury sustained during active duty training in April 2010.

The Board has remanded the claims for neck disability, anxiety disorder, and right knee disability due to insufficient medical opinions and outdated records. The Veteran will need new VA examinations and updated medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic musculotendinous strain of the cervical spine and chronic musculotendinous strain of the lumbar spine as secondary to a left ankle disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a right foot disability, but the claims for neck and back disabilities are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has found that the Veteran's right hand disorder, cervical spine disorder, and bilateral eye disorder are related to service. However, due to incomplete records and need for further examination, the case is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the VA opinions obtained are inadequate to adjudicate the claims with respect to service connection for thoracic spine, cervical spine, and elbow disabilities. The Veteran's reports of in-service injuries and ongoing pain since service discharge must be considered.,The Veteran is entitled to a remand for additional examinations regarding his claimed right knee osteoarthritis and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for residuals of head injury, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and radiculopathy of the upper extremities due to procedural errors and insufficient development. The Veteran needs a VA examination by a neurologist or other headache specialist to address his claim of service connection for head injury residuals, including headaches. If deemed relevant, an opinion with respect to the nature and etiology of the cervical spine disability and related radiculopathy should also be obtained.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine, left shoulder, right shoulder, left elbow, and right elbow disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further action on the issues of service connection for a headache disability and cervical spine disability.,Service connection for multiple sclerosis is also being remanded due to insufficient information in the record.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for his service-connected cervical spine degenerative disc disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and hypertension. The Board found that the Veteran's current disabilities did not begin during his active service or are otherwise related to an in-service event, injury, or disease.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability are both denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, neck, and headache disabilities as secondary to his service-connected disabilities due to insufficient opinions from a VA examiner.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 30 percent for cervical spine disability and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, as well as his request for an earlier effective date. A separate rating of 40 percent was granted for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity since March 14, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from obtaining and securing substantially gainful employment that is consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for his service-connected cervical spine disability and TBI, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of these conditions.