Neck / cervical spine Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show a factually ascertainable increase in severity of the disability within one year prior to the receipt of his August 20, 2013, claim.

The Board has granted DIC benefits based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his neck and back disabilities are causally related to his military service. The Board also found that the Veteran’s cause of death is related to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the ratings for cervical spine disability and hypertension prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a new medical examination to determine if his current neck disability is related to an in-service injury, specifically a documented fall and resultant cervical sprain during service. The VA examination obtained did not substantially comply with the prior remand instructions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure of the Veteran to return a VA Form 21-8940, which is necessary for the adjudication of the TDIU claim. The matter will be reconsidered after receipt of this form.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities because he did not complete and submit the necessary application form, and there was no evidence showing that his service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various musculoskeletal and psychiatric conditions due to incomplete development of records from his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine disability and associated radiculopathy of the right upper extremity are being remanded due to inadequate examinations in previous evaluations. The VA is required to obtain new examinations that comply with the requirements set forth by Correia, DeLuca, and Sharp.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, a higher rating for low back disability, and TDIU due to outstanding treatment records and further VA medical assessment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, including degenerative arthritis, and to include as secondary to the service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Board found that there was no evidence of a disease or injury in service, and concluded that the current cervical spine disability is not related to service.

The Veteran's right thigh scar, headaches, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and neck disability have been granted increased ratings. The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy and peripheral vestibular disease remain denied. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has also been remanded.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to January 23, 2008 and denied a higher rating. From January 23, 2008, the Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 30 percent and also denied a higher rating.,The Veteran's bilateral occipital neuralgia was initially rated at 20 percent and denied a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to inadequate examination reports that did not include information on when pain began during range of motion testing.

The Board has dismissed all claims related to the Veteran's service connection and rating appeals, as well as his request for TDIU. The appeal is dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded both issues for further evaluation due to the need for a medical examination and clarification of diagnostic codes.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and higher initial ratings for a left shoulder/arm disability, PTSD with depression, and spondylosis of the cervical spine. The appeal for service connection for a left knee disability was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of plantar warts, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied. The remaining claims are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of various conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a cervical-thoracic spine condition, right and left ankle conditions, traumatic brain injury, and headaches. The Board found that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disorder, right foot onychomycosis, and service-connected coronary artery disease were granted. The issues of service connection for arteriosclerosis, bilateral ankle disorder, bilateral eye disorder, bilateral hip disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, cervical disorder, headache disorder, low back disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, vertigo, dental disorder, obesity, and left foot onychomycosis are dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for Hypertension and Degenerative Disc Disease of the Cervical Spine, finding that these conditions are secondary to other service-connected disabilities.