Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations, and the issues of service connection are now pending.

The Veteran's idiopathic polyneuropathy of both lower extremities was not incurred or aggravated during active service, and is not related to his service-connected lumbar spine condition. The Board finds no evidence supporting a nexus between the Veteran's current disability and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death, but the claim for DIC benefits is granted as a greater benefit than death pension benefits. The claim for accrued benefits and death pension benefits are also granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, with complications of neuropathy as a result of exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, diagnosed as bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, is being remanded due to unclear findings and need for further medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are all secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The appeal is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation as of December 10, 2008. Effective December 11, 2008, the Veteran is granted TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his authorized representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities has been granted. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder is pending, as are issues related to TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities and related issues, including a determination on higher level aid and attendance.

The Board is unable to determine the outcome of the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to insufficient information. The issues are considered mixed as some conditions may be granted while others may not.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including Type II diabetes mellitus (DM), coronary artery disease (CAD), bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities (BPNLE), prostate problems, Parkinson's disease, and memory loss, all claimed as related to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities from November 22, 2010 to June 24, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his musculoskeletal conditions and abdominal injury, render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, and bladder disability is denied. The current evaluations assigned are deemed appropriate.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, diabetes mellitus, type II, and various orthopedic conditions. The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected low back strain with degenerative joint disease/degenerative disc disease does not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent, and his service-connected right leg sciatica does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment consistent with his education, training, and work experience.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral wrist conditions and a compensable rating for heel spurs have been denied. The Board has not yet reached a decision on these issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being REMANDED for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities and whether they are related to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.